What is meningitis? The disease that Jeff Beck had before he died
Veteran rock guitarist and Grammy Award-winning Jeff Beck has died at the age of 78 after “suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis,” his family announced Wednesday.
A statement posted on Twitter and Instagram read: “On behalf of his family, we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing with deep and profound sadness.
“After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he passed away peacefully yesterday. His family asks for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.”
The chief executive of the charity Meningitis Now, Dr Tom Nutt, said the shocking news was a reminder of the “devastating” disease and its ability to affect people of all ages.
After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he passed away peacefully yesterday. His family asks for privacy while they process this great lossFamily statement
“We encourage people to make sure they are aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and confidently act quickly and seek medical help if they believe they may be ill, ” he said.
Here’s what you need to know about meningitis.
What is meningitis and what causes it?
Meningitis is swelling of the meninges, the lining around the brain and spinal cord, and is caused by germs. It is a serious, life-threatening illness that can be fatal within hours, but it has different causes and severity.
According to the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF), bacterial meningitis — the type that Beck has — is usually the most severe form.
Viral meningitis is “almost never life-threatening”, while the third type – fungal meningitis – is serious but very rare in the UK and Ireland. It tends to only affect people with weakened immune systems.
In addition, meningitis can cause or occur at the same time as sepsis, a type of blood poisoning caused by an infection.
– What are the symptoms?
Meningitis Now says many of the signs and symptoms are common in adults: fever, cold hands and feet, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion and irritability, severe muscle pain, pale and blotchy skin, spots and rash, headache, stiff neck, dislike of light. and convulsions/convulsions.
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But the charity says early symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, muscle aches and fever accompanied by cold hands and feet.
In addition, infants or children under 5 years of age, an age group that are particularly susceptible, may refuse food, dislike being held, exhibit unusual cries and groans, and have tender, swollen areas. go up.
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Veteran guitarist and Grammy Award-winning Jeff Beck dies aged 78 after ‘suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis’ (Yui Mok/PA)
A rash that doesn’t fade with pressure can be a sign of meningitis and blood infections. Meningitis Now suggests using a “glass test” if a rash is suspected as a symptom:
– Press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin.
– Spots/rash may fade at first, keep checking.
Spotted fever or a rash that does not fade when pressed is a medical emergency.
– How to prevent and treat?
Vaccines are available to protect against some of the common bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis – such as meningococcal disease and measles, mumps and rubella.
But not all causes are vaccine-preventable, and treatment will depend on which germ has caused the infection, according to the MRF.
Bacterial meningitis requires urgent treatment with antibiotics.
Don’t wait for a rash. If someone gets sick and gets worse, get medical help right awaymeningitis now
– Who does it affect?
Meningitis can affect any age, although young children and infants are especially vulnerable. The risk also increases in the elderly.
A study conducted for Meningitis Now revealed that 96% of people over the age of 65 do not consider themselves to be at risk for meningitis and septicemia, despite the increasing risk of meningitis in adults. year old.
Dr. Nutt said: “Jeff’s passing serves as a reminder that meningitis doesn’t just affect babies and young people; It can affect anyone of any age.
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/what-is-meningitis-the-illness-jeff-beck-contracted-before-his-death-42280480.html What is meningitis? The disease that Jeff Beck had before he died