A British musician, Jeff Beck, has passed away. He was 78 years old, yet he was still one of the most influential rock guitarists of all time. Beck’s death announcement was confirmed on his verified Twitter account.
Jeff Beck’s family “share the news of his loss with deep and profound regret,” according to a statement sent to the musician’s Twitter account. He came down with bacterial meningitis out of nowhere, and he went very quietly yesterday. While they deal with this terrible news, his family requests seclusion.
Put simply, what exactly is bacterial meningitis?
Meningitis, caused by bacteria, is a circulatory disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord (per Mayo Clinic). In particular, an infection can exert tremendous force in these areas, damaging the membranes in the process.
Although it is quite unusual, bacterial meningitis can result from an ear infection, a fractured skull, or even brain surgery if the germs involved manage to penetrate the brain’s protective layers. According to research conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine, this can result in serious disease and even death.
Unfortunately, these effects are often sudden and hard to predict. Stroke, paralysis, and brain injury are other possible effects. However, many patients make a full recovery if they receive treatment immediately.
Some of the signs to look out for is a lack of flexibility in the neck (sometimes called a stiff neck), which can lead to headaches and disorientation. Children may exhibit physical symptoms such as fever, vomiting, irritability, convulsions, and even a swollen head, which parents should monitor.
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Can you describe the symptoms of bacterial meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis symptoms may appear at any time during the disease. Depending on the individual, it might take anywhere from a few hours to three days for symptoms to appear after exposure. In the first six hours, you may have a high temperature, headache, irritability, nausea, and vomiting.
Fever, muscular pains, leg discomfort, and a pallid complexion are among the later symptoms that manifest within six to twelve hours. A decrease in responsiveness, disorientation, or delirium, as well as numbness or tingling in the extremities, might occur after 12 hours.
Seek emergency medical assistance if you or someone you know exhibits any of the aforementioned symptoms.
Prevention measures and knowing when to seek medical attention
Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that while physicians don’t know all the dangers of this disorder, they suspect certain factors are at play, including lowered immunity, head traumas, age, and life stage.
Premature infants, as well as college students who may live in overcrowded dorms, are especially vulnerable. The germs can be transmitted by close personal contact, such as through coughing or sneezing, or through the sharing of objects that have been in other people’s mouths (via Mayo Clinic).
You may lessen your chances of contracting the disease by taking preventative measures including reducing your exposure to other people who have it, washing your hands often, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and participating in other immune-enhancing activities (per Mayo Clinic).
Vaccines that pediatricians recommend giving infants and toddlers can also offer some degree of protection.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms—including high body temperature, mental disorientation, vomiting, persistent headache, or neck stiffness—you should seek medical attention immediately.
These symptoms suggest you may have been infected with the bacterium. If you or someone you know has been exposed to an infectious person, it is important to discuss the possibility of taking prescription medications with your doctor.
