What to know about bacterial meningitis, the infection that claimed life of Deer Creek athlete

News of the sudden illness and death of Deer Creek athlete Nathan Rogalski rocked the community and raised questions about what bacterial meningitis is and whom it affects.

Rogalski, who had committed to play baseball at Oklahoma State, died of complications after the infection.

More: 'He was a special kid all around': Deer Creek community mourns death of star athlete Nathan Rogalski

The infection is rare but serious. Here's what to know about who is at risk and how it can spread:

What is bacterial meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection that is caused by certain types of bacteria. Most people recover from it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but some die, even just within a few hours.

People who recover might have permanent disabilities as a result, including brain damage, hearing loss and learning disabilities, according to the CDC.

There are also other types of meningitis, including viral or fungal meningitis.

Most bacteria that causes meningitis are spread from person to person, according to the CDC. People can spread bacteria during childbirth, by coughing or sneezing near others, through close contact like kissing, or lengthy contact, like living with another person.

People also can get some types of bacteria by eating contaminated food, like food prepared by someone who didn't wash their hands well after using the bathroom.

Who’s most affected?

People of any age can get bacterial meningitis, but it’s most commonly seen in babies, said Dr. Mary Clarke, president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association and a family physician in Stillwater. The next most common age group is people in their teens or early 20s, living in dormitories, barracks or other tight living quarters, she said.

Clarke said the last time she saw a meningitis case was when she worked in a hospital, about 15 years ago. That patient, a teenage girl, ultimately died, she said.

“Bacterial meningitis is, blessedly, not very common,” Clarke said. “But this is an infection that causes inflammation and swelling around the tissues that support the brain.”

It can progress very quickly and can be lethal, she said.

In addition to risk factors by age and people who live in group settings, people with certain medical conditions, including HIV infection or not having a spleen, are at higher risk for types of bacterial meningitis, according to the CDC.

Signs and symptoms

A severe headache is one of the hallmark signs of meningitis, Clarke said. Fever, headache and neck stiffness are all symptoms. People may also experience nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances, she said.

Quick intervention is crucial with bacterial meningitis, according to the CDC.

“People with bacterial meningitis can have seizures, go into a coma, and even die,” the CDC says on its website. “For this reason, anyone who thinks they may have meningitis should see a doctor as soon as possible.”

How it's treated

If a doctor suspects a patient has meningitis, their first goal will be to reduce swelling in the brain, Clarke said. That’s typically done through steroids.

When doctors are trying to determine whether they’re dealing with a meningitis case, they often will give a patient antiviral medication, antibiotics and possibly an antifungal medication, if fungal meningitis is suspected, Clarke said.

“You’re going to hit them with everything you’ve got,” she said. “Then, when you figure out what it is, then you can take the things that aren’t going to work away.”

A spinal tap also will be performed so the patient’s spinal fluid can be tested, Clarke said.

How to prevent it

The best prevention strategies for bacterial meningitis are vaccinations, Clarke said. Pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines can protect against specific types of bacteria that can cause meningitis.

Meningococcal vaccines are given at age 11 with boosters during a person’s teenage years, Clarke said.

“That does decrease the incidence of meningitis in our late teens, early adults that are in dorms and going to college,” she said.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What is bacterial meningitis? Infection caused death of Deer Creek athlete