Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Legendary guitarist Jeff Beck dies due to bacterial meningitis – Know all about this life-threatening illness

“Those who do recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities.�

Legendary guitarist Jeff Beck dies due to bacterial meningitis – Know all about this life-threatening illness

Legendary rock guitarist Jeff Beck, ‘suddenly’ died this week at the age of 78. Taking to Instagram, his team wrote, “On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing.”

According to their statement, his team revealed that he passed away “after suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss,” the post read.


The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) informs that bacterial meningitis which is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord can be fatal within hours of contracting it.

The CDC also notes on its website that, “Those who do recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities.”

Symptoms

People who contract the illness can experience flu-like or Covid-19 symptoms. These include fever, a headache, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light, brain fog, stiff neck, sleepiness or trouble waking.

Cleveland Clinic states, “Meningitis can be acute, with a quick onset of symptoms, it can be chronic, lasting a month or more, or it can be mild or aseptic.”

Risk factors

Speaking about those who are at risk of contracting this disease, Dr Monalisa Sahu, Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, India, told The Indian Express that infants and the elderly are most at risk, along with those individuals with chronic medical conditions like renal failure, immunosuppressed patients like transplant recipients, and congenital immunodeficiencies.

There is also an increased risk of bacterial meningitis for those on long-term steroids, under-vaccinated individuals, those who drink alcohol excessively, etc.

Additionally, the CDC states that those with certain medical conditions, such as HIV infection or serious immune deficiency, and those who don’t have a spleen and chemotherapy patients, are more likely to contract the disease.

Causes

A report by CNN explains that a number of bacteria can cause meningitis, as can viruses, parasites, fungi, amoeba.

However, according to Meningitis Now, an information and support charity based in the UK, a viral case of meningitis is “not generally considered to be contagious.”

The charity states, “Viral meningitis is not passed on to others by being in close contact — unlike the meningococcal form of bacterial meningitis — so no preventive treatment is needed for relatives.”

Some injuries can also reportedly cause this illness, in addition to drugs, and conditions like lupus or cancer.

The CDC informs that the types of bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread in a number of ways.

Group B Streptococcus and E. coli bacteria can be passed from mother to child during birth.

Several other bacteria that cause this illness — Haemophilus influenzae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae are passed on to others by coughing or sneezing.

Bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis spread by sharing saliva typically, when people kiss, through coughing, or living in close contact.

However, not everyone who spreads the bacteria that causes meningitis gets ill.

“These people are ‘carriers.’ Most carriers never become sick, but can still spread the bacteria to others,” the CDC notes.

Treatment

The CDC states that “Doctors treat bacterial meningitis with a number of antibiotics. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible.”

Dr Monalisa explains that in all cases of this illness, appropriate antibiotics are required, and mostly for a duration of 3-6 weeks whereby supportive care is critical.

She is quoted as saying, “Supportive care includes managing the airway, maintaining oxygenation, giving sufficient intravenous fluids while providing fever control are parts of the foundation of meningitis management.”

Dr Sujit Kumar, Senior Consultant Neurologist, and Epileptologist, Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore, Indian adds, “Treatment comprises a combination of antibiotics depending on the organism suspected. Corticosteroids are also given to reduce complications due to inflammation. Usually, a CSF (Cerebro Spinal Fluid) analysis is done to determine the severity of the infection and identify the bacterium or virus responsible for meningitis.”

More For You

Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less