Death of Cedar Rapids man investigated as probable bacterial meningitis

Linn County Public Health officials are investigating the death of a 21-year-old Cedar Rapids man on Monday as a probable case of bacterial meningitis.

Director Curtis Dickson said reports had not confirmed meningitis, “but we're fairly certain that's the situation.”

Ten people in close contact with the man have been reached and were being given preventive antibiotic treatment, he said.

Meningitis, an infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and fluid that surrounds the brain, can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

Bacterial meningitis, which is much more serious than the viral form, can result in brain damage, hearing loss, paralysis and death. Symptoms include high fever, headache and stiff neck

The disease is typically spread through saliva by kissing or sharing a drink, eating utensils or cigarette, for example.

Dickson would not confirm that the man went to Kirkwood Community College, but campus health director Lori Jeppson said the college was notified about a death by the health department this morning.

Jeppson said tests had not been lab-confirmed, so the college was not commenting.

Dickson said the public should not be worried about catching meningitis because it requires close contact.

Vaccine for meningitis is available at Kirkwood, Jeppson noted.