by Rock veteran and Grammy-winning guitarist Jeff Beck has died at the age of 78 after “suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis,” his family said on Wednesday.
“We share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing with deep and deep sadness on behalf of his family,” the statement said on Twitter and Instagram.
“He passed away peacefully yesterday after suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis. His family seeks privacy as he grieves this tremendous loss.”
Jeff Beck – In Pictures
Dr Tom Nutt, executive director of the charity Meningitis Now, said the shocking news was a reminder of the “devastating” disease and its ability to affect all age groups.
He passed away peacefully yesterday after suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis. His family seeks privacy as they process this tremendous loss.
family statement
“We encourage everyone to make sure they are aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and have the confidence to act quickly and seek medical attention if they believe they may be sick,” he said.
Here’s what you need to know about meningitis.
– What is meningitis and why does it happen?
Meningitis is swelling of the meninges, the lining around the brain and spinal cord, and is caused by microbes. It is a serious, life-threatening disease and can kill within hours, but it has different causes and levels of severity.
According to the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF), bacterial meningitis of the type that Beck gets is usually the most serious form.
While viral meningitis is “almost never life-threatening”, the third type of 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 septicemia, a type of blood poisoning caused by infection.
– What are the symptoms?
Meningitis Now says there are many common signs and symptoms in adults: fever, cold hands and feet, vomiting, lethargy, confusion and irritability, severe muscle pain, pale and blotchy skin, patches and rashes, headaches, stiff neck, dislike for bright lights. and seizures/convulsions.
But the charity says early signs can include fever with fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain and cold hands and feet.
Additionally, an infant or child under the age of five, an age group particularly vulnerable to the disease, may refuse food, dislike being touched, display unusual cries and moans, and have a tense, swollen soft spot.
A rash that does not go away under pressure can be a sign of meningitis and septicemia. Meningitis Now recommends doing a “glass test” if a rash is suspected:
– Press the rim of a clear glass firmly against the skin.
– Stains/spills may disappear at first, keep checking.
A punctate fever or rash that does not go away under pressure is a medical emergency.
– How is it prevented and treated?
Vaccines are available that protect against meningococcus and some common bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis, such as measles, mumps and rubella.
But not all causes can be prevented by vaccination, according to the MRF, and treatment will depend on which microbes are causing the infection.
Meningitis caused by bacteria requires immediate treatment with antibiotics.
Don’t expect redness. If someone is sick and their condition worsens, seek medical attention immediately
Meningitis Now
– Who does it affect?
Meningitis can affect all age groups, although young children and infants are particularly vulnerable. The risk also increases in older adults.
A study for Meningitis Now found that despite an increased risk of meningitis in older adults, 96% of people over 65 do not consider themselves at risk of meningitis and septicemia.
Dr Nutt said: “Jeff’s death indicates that meningitis is not just a disease that affects infants and adolescents; It can affect anyone of any age.
