Beck died from Bacterial Meningitis

I thought you only get that if you have a very weak immune system or are very unhealthy or unhygienic? What a crappy way to go too, sounds painful and miserable. They say he died peaecfully, but I sort of doubt that.

Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. A bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes the swelling. However, injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections also can cause meningitis. It is important to know the specific cause of meningitis because the treatment differs depending on the cause.

Certain germs that cause bacterial meningitis, such as L. monocytogenes, can spread through food. But most of these germs spread from one person to another.

How people spread the germs often depends on the type of bacteria. It is also important to know that people can have these bacteria in or on their bodies without being sick. These people are “carriers.” Most carriers never become sick, but can still spread the bacteria to others.

Here are some of the most common examples of how people spread each type of bacteria to each other:

Group B Streptococcus and E. coli: Mothers can pass these bacteria to their babies during birth.
H. influenzae, M. tuberculosis, and S. pneumoniae: People spread these bacteria by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others, who breathe in the bacteria.
N. meningitidis: People spread these bacteria by sharing respiratory or throat secretions (saliva or spit). This typically occurs during close (coughing or kissing) or lengthy (living together) contact.
E. coli: People can get these bacteria by eating food prepared by people who did not wash their hands well after using the toilet.
People usually get sick from E. coli and L. monocytogenes by eating contaminated food.