Young woman dies of meningitis just hours after the wedding

Meningitis: Young bride dies a few hours after marriage

In New Zealand, a young woman died of meningitis just hours after she was married. The 26-year-old apparently did not know about her infection. During the wedding, however, she felt worse and worse. A short time later, she was dead. Health experts point out to go to the hospital quickly in case of an infection.

The most beautiful day of life became her last

As for so many people, the day of their wedding for 26-year-old Jamieka McCarthy Harford from Auckland (New Zealand) should be the best day of their lives. But for the young woman it was the last day of her life. According to media reports, the New Zealander suddenly felt uncomfortable during the wedding ceremony. Only a few hours later, she died of a bacterial infection that caused her meningitis (meningitis).

The wedding day is for many people the best day of their lives. It became her last day of life for a young New Zealander. She died of meningitis a few hours after the wedding. (Image: BillionPhotos.com/fotolia.com)

Death from meningococcal infection

"The Auckland Regional Public Health Service confirmed that the young woman had died of meningococcal disease," reports a news portal "9News.".

Meningococci are bacteria that settle in the nasopharyngeal space of humans, where they are detectable in about ten percent of the population without any signs of clinical symptoms, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).

They are most commonly transmitted as droplet infection. The bacteria are released into the air when speaking, coughing or sneezing in small droplets from the nasopharynx and can be inhaled from a short distance.

In addition, the pathogens can be transmitted even in close contact with patients as a smear infection, for example, by touching the nasal secretion. Outside the body, the bacteria die quickly.

Different courses

According to health experts, two forms of meningococcal disease can occur individually or together:

Meningococcal diseases are meningitis in about two-thirds of cases. In about one third of cases, the course is characterized by sepsis, "writes the RKI on its website.

The onset of the disease is usually very sudden and progressing rapidly.

For symptoms quickly to the hospital

Symptoms such as headache, neck stiffness or nausea can occur during an infection.

Other complaints of meningitis include fever, photosensitivity, chills and a clouded state of consciousness, such as a strong drowsiness or dizziness.

Bacterial meningitis can result in severe disability or even death within a short period of time.

Anyone can contract a meningococcal infection. Most often, however, it affects infants in the first year of life, toddlers or adolescents.

"The incubation period is usually 3 to 4 days, but it can also be between 2 and 10 days," says the RKI.

Already in suspected meningococcal infection sick people have to go to the hospital immediately! The infection is treated with antibiotics. For several years, a vaccine against the fatal disease is available. (Ad)