Read the following paragraph and answer the question. Give ONLY the answer, no other words or explanation.

For example:

Answer: <most likely answer, as short as possible>.

Paragraph: But he held on for a few months before the infection finally claimed him . Such a long time , I exclaimed , trying not to think too much about what it must ' ve been like to wither away slowly on that cot and wishing only for the delirium of fever to take away the pain . She closed her eyes and nodded knowingly , mildly savoring the reaction her story has garnered .

Question: Why did the female subject die in the story highlighted ?
The subject died of a lingering disease .
The female subject died due to an infection.