Meningitis symptoms, signs and treatment following death of guitarist Jeff Beck

12.01.2023 - 14:07 / dailyrecord.co.uk

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.

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.

The main symptoms of bacterial meningitis are:

If you develop the disease, you may also experience:

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:

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:

Most of the above bacteria are