Legendary British guitarist Jeff Beck died “peacefully” last night after contracting bacterial meningitis, it was revealed yesterday.
The 78-year-old – who completed his US and European tour with actor Johnny Depp just a few weeks ago – was so honored that his fingers and thumbs were insured for £7million.
A representative said Beck – an eight-time Grammy winner – had been ill over the Christmas period and died at a hospital near his home in Surrey after suddenly contracting the infection.
Bacterial meningitis, which requires urgent hospital treatment, affects the membranes that line the spinal cord and brain
Jeff Beck passed away peacefully last night at the age of 78. Pictured above, Beck at a garden party at Crystal Palace in London in 1972
His sudden death comes just weeks after the former Yardbirds star wrapped up a transatlantic tour with Johnny Depp while promoting their debut album 18.
British rockers such as Rod Stewart and Mick Jagger led tributes overnight.
Bacterial meningitis requires urgent hospital treatment, affects the membranes of the spinal cord and brain.
The World Health Organization estimates that up to 1 in 10 cases of bacterial meningitis are fatal.
DEATH: Jeff Beck, the chocolate factory worker’s son who became one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time, dated the muse behind Hendrix’s hit “Foxy Lady,” insured his fingers for $8.5 million and in the swinging ’60s threw a wrench.
Eight-time Grammy winner Jeff Beck has died at the age of 78 from sudden bacterial meningitis
Experts say one of the reasons it’s deadly is that it’s hard to detect early. Meningitis symptoms come on suddenly and get worse very quickly.
These can include headaches, fever, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness, which can easily be confused with other common ailments, including the flu.
Photophobia – sensitivity to light – and the development of a skin rash are other clear signs of infection.
Caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream, when infected, the membranes swell and press on the spinal cord or brain.
This can lead to life-threatening problems.
But if it is treated If you are admitted to the hospital right away, you are less likely to die from bacterial meningitis.
This usually requires hospital treatment for at least a week, with antibiotics and fluids given directly into a vein and oxygen through a face mask.
Experts estimate that at least 1.2 million cases of bacterial meningitis occur worldwide each year.
Watchdog NICE estimates that acute bacterial meningitis affects one in 100,000 people in the UK.
About 2,600 cases are reported in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It can affect anyone at any age, but is more common in infants and young children because their immune systems are not fully developed.
Teenagers and young adults are also at greater risk – especially during their freshman year of university – because they mix more, which means bacteria can be transmitted more easily.
The infection can be spread by coughing, sneezing and kissing, as it is usually transmitted by people who have the bacteria in their throat or nose but are not sick themselves.
The majority of people with bacterial meningitis who receive immediate treatment also make a full recovery.
But in some rare cases, people can develop serious long-term problems, including recurrent seizures, vision or hearing loss, memory or concentration problems, or even limb amputations.
The eight-time Grammy winner has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice – as a solo artist and as a member of The Yardbirds. Pictured is Jeff Beck and guitarist Eric Clapton performing at the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival in Bridgeview, Illinois
Vaccines are the most effective protection against certain types of bacterial meningitis; there is no vaccine that protects against all forms of meningitis.
These vaccines are offered to babies as young as eight weeks, as well as to teenagers and college students.
Viral meningitis – which is much more common – is caused when viruses enter the bloodstream.
But it’s usually treated at home and goes away on its own within seven to 10 days, according to experts.
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WHAT IS MENINGITIS?
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Anyone can be affected, but risk groups include those under five, 15 to 24 and over 45.
People exposed to secondhand smoke or whose immune systems are compromised, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, are also at increased risk.
The most common types of meningitis are bacterial and viral.
Symptoms for both include:
- Pale, mottled skin with a rash that won’t fade when pressed with a glass
- stiff neck
- Aversion to bright lights
- Fever and cold hands and feet
- to throw up
- sleepiness
- Strong headache
Headache is one of the main symptoms
Bacterial meningitis
Bacterial meningitis requires urgent hospital treatment with antibiotics.
About 10 percent of bacterial cases are fatal.
Of those who survive, one in three will develop complications, including brain damage and hearing loss.
Amputation of limbs is a possible side effect when septicemia (blood poisoning) occurs.
Vaccines are available against certain bacteria that cause meningitis, such as tuberculosis.
Viral meningitis
Virals are rarely life-threatening, but can cause long-lasting effects such as headaches, fatigue and memory problems.
Thousands of people suffer from viral meningitis in the UK every year.
Treatment focuses on hydration, pain medication and rest.
Although ineffective, antibiotics may be given when patients arrive at the hospital if they have the bacterial form of the disease.
Source: Meningitis Now
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
