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Tuesday, January 10, the world learned of the death of legendary guitarist Jeff Beck, at the age of 78. A death that comes after the man contracted bacterial meningitis during the Christmas holidays.
Bacterial meningitis doesn’t just affect children or young adults. Proof of this is the recent death of Jeff Beck, legendary British rock guitarist, who died on Tuesday January 10 in a hospital in Surrey at the age of 78. The eight-time Grammy winner was reportedly ill over the Christmas period. Despite hospital treatment, the artist was carried away by the overwhelming disease.
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. pic.twitter.com/4dvt5aGzlv
—Jeff Beck (@jeffbeckmusic) January 11, 2023
What is bacterial meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis can be triggered by various bacteria: pneumococcus, meningococcus, listeria or even the famous e.coli. It affects the meninges, protective membranes that surround the spinal cord and the brain and cause them to swell.
The infection can be spread by coughing, sneezing and kissing, as it is usually caught by people who have the bacteria in their throat or nose, but who are not sick themselves. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 1 in 10 cases is fatal, as the infection is difficult to spot early enough. So when symptoms of meningitis appear, they can get worse very quickly.
What are the symptoms of bacterial meningitis?
Symptoms that can be confused with other infections include:
- Headaches ;
- Intense fever;
- A stiff neck;
- Nausea and vomiting.
But two other signs can indicate urgency:
- Photophobia – sensitivity to light;
- Finally, the development of a rash is another potential sign of infection which should prompt you to contact the emergency room or 15.
If the patient is brought to the hospital quickly and the meningitis is treated quickly, however, it is unlikely to prove fatal. However, sufferers can end up with serious long-term problems:
- loss of vision or hearing;
- A problem with memory or concentration;
- Even amputation of limbs.
Meningitis is treated in hospital for a week or more, with antibiotics through an IV and oxygen through a face mask.
Bacterial meningitis can affect all ages, but it is most common in babies and young children whose immune system is still weak. Teenagers and young people are also at increased risk as they mingle more.
Vaccines remain, to this day, the most effective way to protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis, although there is no vaccine that protects against all (Men A, B, C, W, X, Y and Z ).