Luca Re Sartu was one of the thousands of pilgrims who took part in World Youth Day. A young 24-year-old Italian catechist and educator who, according to his family, has always been healthy, fell ill during his stay in Lisbon. He developed a high fever and extreme fatigue, but the doctors who treated him in Lisbon attributed the symptoms to fatigue and a sudden change in temperature. A week ago, upon arrival at Bergamo airport, Luca was taken to the emergency room of a hospital where he suffered a cardiac arrest. On Thursday, he was transferred to the coronary department of the Monza hospital, where he died on Friday. Doctors suspect that Luca contracted the multidrug-resistant staph bacteria in Lisbon, but only the autopsy result will determine the cause of death. TO cmRui Nogueira, family doctor and director of the Portuguese Health Literacy Society, explains that this type of bacteria is quite common. “This is a very common bacterium, it is part of our normal flora. This is not due to lack of hygiene or external pollution,” he says. The symptoms are varied, ranging from very high fever to muscle or headaches, among others. Tonsillitis or skin problems are the least serious forms, but in older people or with other underlying conditions, a bacterial infection can be more dangerous. “When symptoms appear, it is necessary to seek medical attention in order to make a timely diagnosis,” says Rui Nogueira. Treatment includes the administration of antibiotics. According to the World Health Organization, MDR bacteria cause about 1,160 deaths in Portugal every year. It is estimated that one fifth of the world’s hospital infections are caused by this type of bacteria.