Guitarist Jeff Beck died of bacterial meningitis on Wednesday (11/1) at the age of 78. The former member of the rock band Yardbirds passed away “peacefully”, according to a publication made on the artist’s Twitter profile.
“On behalf of his family, it is with deep sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing. After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he passed away peacefully yesterday. His family asks for privacy as they process this tremendous loss,” the post reveals.
bacterial meningitis
The occurrence of bacterial meningitis is more common in autumn-winter, and the disease is particularly serious and evolves quickly. It is an inflammation of the meninges, membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, caused by a bacterium.
“The central nervous system is made up of the brain, which is inside the cranial box, and the spinal cord, which is in the vertebral column” explains pediatric intensivist Marcos Guimarães, from Santa Marta hospital, in Brasília.
After reaching the tissue surrounding the brain, the bacteria multiply without causing infections and then release harmful substances that trigger an inflammatory response.
Microorganisms can spread from one person to another through the respiratory tract, through droplets of saliva and secretions from the nose and throat. Other bacteria can spread through food, such as Listeria monocytogenes it’s yes Escherichia coli.
Men are the most affected by the disease. Some people, called carriers, can carry the bacteria without developing the infection and becoming ill.
From the infection, the individual may experience:
- Fever;
- Headache;
- Stiff neck;
- Discomfort;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Sensitivity to light;
- Mental confusion;
- In severe cases: convulsions, delirium, tremors and coma.
In addition to the risk of death, Guimarães says that bacterial meningitis can leave serious consequences such as blindness, deafness, seizures, learning and motor difficulties.
From the suspicion, the patient can be submitted to a blood test and cerebrospinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid). To confirm the diagnosis, tests such as CSF chemocytology, direct bacterioscopy, culture, latex agglutination and Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) can be performed.
Treatment and Prevention
The patient is treated in respiratory isolation at the hospital with the use of antibiotic therapy, with drugs and therapeutic dosages prescribed by the physicians responsible for the case. Gloves, masks and aprons are used to prevent the bacteria from spreading.
The syndrome, which can be caused by different infectious agents, can be prevented by vaccines:
- Meningococcal vaccine C (Conjugate): once morest meningococcal disease caused by serogroup C;
- 10-valent pneumococcal vaccine (conjugated): once morest invasive diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniaeincluding meningitis;
- Pentavalent: once morest invasive diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae serotype B, such as meningitis, and also once morest diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and hepatitis B;
- Meningococcal C (Conjugated): once morest meningococcal disease caused by serogroup C;
- Meningococcal ACWY (Conjugate): once morest meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W and Y.
Vaccines are available in the child vaccination schedule of the National Immunization Program (PNI). Laboratory tests are already available in the Unified Health System (SUS). They are requested by the medical or epidemiological surveillance team during case follow-up.
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