Rock musician Jeff Beck has sadly died at the age of 78 after battling bacterial meningitis.
His family revealed the news that the legendary guitarist passed away on Tuesday in a statement posted to his official Twitter account.
Shared on Wednesday, it read: “On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing.
“After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.”
But what is bacterial meningitis? how can you get it and is it treatable? Here's what you should know.
What is bacterial meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is the most serious form of meningitis - a condition which causes inflammation to the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal chord.
According to HealthLine.com, meningitis can either be caused by viral infections - the most common form - or from bacteria. This bacteria can be spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing and even from certain foods.
Bacterial meningitis occurs when these microbes enter the blood stream and travel to your spinal chord and brain, enacting an infection.
Without treatment, bacterial meningitis can meningitis can cause paralysis, stroke, seizures, sepsis and death.
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis
The main symptoms of bacterial meningitis are:
- high fever
- stiff neck
- severe headache
If you develop the disease, you may also experience:
- nausea
- vomiting
- sensitivity to bright light
- confusion
- a rash of purple discolouration
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis can come on quickly within a couple of hours, or they can progress gradually over a day or two.
Symptoms of the bacterial form are similar to ones seen in viral meningitis, which include:
- a high temperature
- cold hands and feet
- vomiting
- confusion
- breathing quickly
- muscle and joint pain
- pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
- spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
- headache
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- being very sleepy or difficult to wake
- fits (seizures)
How can you contract bacterial meningitis?
The microbes that cause bacterial meningitis can live in your body and your surroundings.
It is brought on by several different types of bacteria, which include:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae, also called pneumococcus
- Neisseria meningitidis, also called meningococcus
- Haemophilus influenzae, also called Hib
- Listeria monocytogenes
- group B strep
- E. coli
Most of the above bacteria are spread through human contact and fluids mainly from coughing, sneezing or kissing.
Bacterial meningitis can also be seen after an injury. The physical trauma lowers the immune system, which gives the bacteria the chance to spread.
Meningitis-causing bacteria are more likely to attack the membranes of your brain after a trauma like:
- a head fracture
- surgery
- a sinus infection
You can also develop bacterial meningitis after eating certain foods containing the Listeria bacterium, such as:
- soft cheeses
- hot dogs
- sandwich meats
Treatment and prevention
The best way to prevent bacterial meningitis is to stay up to date with vaccinations.
Certain immunisations protect against pneumococcus, meningococcus, and Hib, all of which cause meningitis. Vaccinations are key to the prevention of meningitis, so see your doctor to make sure your vaccinations, and those of your children, are up-to-date.
Bacterial meningitis is treatable with antibiotics and anyone who experiences symptoms should seek medical help immediately. Early detection can mean full recovery with no lingering effects.
But if ignored, bacterial meningitis can result in serious health complications, which can often be permanent.
These include:
- memory problems
- hearing loss
- paralysis
- kidney failure
- body-wide infection and shock, called septicemia
- movement problems, such as difficulty walking
- learning disabilities
- headaches
- seizures
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