The San Benito County Public Health Department recently was
notified that a local resident died after being infected with
bacterial meningitis caused by strep pneumonia, according to a
press release from the agency.
The San Benito County Public Health Department recently was notified that a local resident died after being infected with bacterial meningitis caused by strep pneumonia, according to a press release from the agency.
The department noted how its “heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the patient” and pointed out there are many types of bacteria and viruses that can cause meningitis.
Meningitis is a swelling of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Many of the bacteria or viruses that can cause meningitis are fairly common and are more often associated with other everyday illnesses. Sometimes, however, they spread to the meninges from an infection in another part of the body, according to public health.
The infection can start anywhere, including in the skin, intestines or urinary system, but the most common source is the respiratory tract. From there the organisms can enter the bloodstream, travel through the body, and enter the central nervous system.
It is unclear how old the resident was who died from meningitis.
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The public health department goes on to note the following:
Some common symptoms of meningitis include fever, lethargy (decreased consciousness), irritability or sensitivity to light, although symptoms may vary depending on age. Many cases of meningitis result from infections that can be contagious. Drops of fluid from the throat and nose of someone who is infected may become airborne when the person coughs, laughs, talks or sneezes. They then can infect others when people breathe them in or touch the drops and then touch their own noses or mouths.
Sharing food, drinking glasses, eating utensils, tissues, or towels may all transmit the infections as well. Some infectious organisms can spread through a person’s stool, and someone who comes in contact with the stool – such as a child in day care – may contract the infection.
The infections most often spread between people who are in close contact, such as those who live together or people who are exposed by kissing or sharing eating utensils. Casual contact at school or work with someone who has one of these infections usually will not transmit the infectious agent.
Meningitis is a treatable illness if caught early. If you or your child displays any of the symptoms described above contact your doctor immediately.
Remember that many serious and fatal illnesses are preventable by vaccination. Routine childhood immunizations include very effective vaccines (Hib, pneumococcal and meningococcal) to prevent various types of meningitis. Adults who are 65 years of age and older, or who are cigarette smokers, or who have high risk health conditions, should also receive their pneumococcal vaccine.
Call your doctor if you have any questions about the currently recommended childhood or adult vaccination schedule and keep your and your children’s immunizations up to date. If you have any questions or concerns, please call San Benito County Health Department at (831) 637-5367.
