I am not sure what the answer really is but I do know that when I had to go to a doc in Illinois for an IME my husband asked him if it was a death type of disease. The doc replied to my husband and I that it is not a death defying disease but it can shorten your life span. So my answer is maybe and maybe not. I have never heard of anyone dying from this but it can shorten your life span.

Sincerely,
Tracy(Screwballpookie)