The sports community and residents of Cabanillas del Campo, in the province of Guadalajara, Spain, are in mourning after the death of María Herranz Gómez, a promising gymnast who was only 17 years old.
The young woman, a prominent member of the Rudi Tramp Club, lost her life this Thursday due to sudden meningitis, just one day after receiving the diagnosis.
María’s death has shocked everyone, highlighting her talent and dedication to the sport of trampoline, where she managed to compete at an international level.
Spanish gymnast María Herranz dies at age 17 from meningitis. Photo: Screenshot
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According to the Mayo Clinic site, meningitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
It can be caused by various causes, including viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections, as well as non-infectious factors such as autoimmune diseases or exposure to certain medications.
The most common type of dangerous meningitis is bacterial in cause and can cause death in less than 24 hours.
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Meningitis can affect people of any age.
There are effective treatments and vaccines against some of the main bacteria that cause this disease. However, meningitis remains a major threat worldwide.
There are four main bacteria that cause meningitis:
- Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus)
Photo: illustrative. Pexels
According to the same site, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately if you or any of your family members have these symptoms:
- Fever.
- Severe headache that does not go away.
- Confusion.
- Vomiting.
- Neck stiffness.
Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause of the disease, with early diagnosis and timely administration of antibiotics being essential in cases of bacterial meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis is serious and can be fatal within days without immediate antibiotic treatment. Delaying treatment also increases the risk of permanent brain damage.
Additionally, “it is important to talk to your healthcare provider if you have been exposed to someone with meningitis, including a family member or someone you live or work with. You may need to take medication to prevent getting an infection.”
Armida Monárrez had her daughter on August 27, in Durango. She died on November 1st due to meningitis. Illustration Ani Cortés
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site they tell us that your risk factors include:
- Skipping vaccines. The risk increases for anyone who has not completed the recommended vaccination schedule for children or adults.
- Weakened immune system. AIDS, alcohol use disorders, diabetes, use of immunosuppressive medications, and other factors that affect the immune system increase the risk of meningitis. Removing the spleen also increases the risk. People who do not have a spleen should be vaccinated to reduce the risk.
- Live in a community environment. College students living in dormitories, staff on military bases, and children in boarding schools and child care centers are at increased risk for meningococcal meningitis. This is probably because the bacteria spread through the respiratory tract and through large groups.
- Pregnancy. Pregnancy increases the risk of contracting an infection caused by the listeria bacteria, which can also cause meningitis. Infection increases the risk of spontaneous abortion, intrauterine fetal death, and premature birth.
- Age. Most cases of viral meningitis occur in children under 5 years of age. Bacterial meningitis is common in those under 20 years of age.
It is crucial that both the general public and healthcare professionals be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis, as prompt treatment can mean the difference between life and death. Furthermore, prevention through vaccination and appropriate hygiene practices are essential tools to combat this devastating disease.
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