Because the soldier didn't report his injury immediately to his chain.
Perhaps early treatment could have saved him, if he didn't hide the injury.
I'd have to see a whole lot more to make a decision about this one.
/johnny
Sounds a lot to me like he went to sick call first... and of course they in turn would have told his sergeant or whomever. This sounds like nit picking.
I read the article. Says he reported the bite to a veterinarian and made a written report. Was originally treated, but treatment discontinued because the medication was out of date. Died 8 months after the bite.