What to know about meningitis following death of 35-year-old actor

A survey estimating the annual worldwide death toll from Meningitis leads MedicalWatch for March 30, 2026.

Interest on meningitis rose online following the recent death of a former Hollywood actor at age 35.

Daveigh Chase worked on various films, including providing the voice for the main character Lilo in the film, TV and video game projects for Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch.” She also voiced the heroine Chihiro in the Oscar-winning animated film “Spirited Away.”

U.S. media reported that she died Tuesday in Los Angeles. The New York Times cited her estranged father as saying that she died due to complications from bacterial meningitis and a blood infection.

Chase’s death prompts a look at meningitis, including symptoms and how it’s spread.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is a serious illness that typically occurs when a virus or bacteria causes the lining of the brain and spinal cord to be inflamed, according to health officials including those at Ottawa Public Health.

Those who catch viral meningitis usually recover without treatment. Antibiotics have no effect as a treatment, the municipal agency says in a post on its website.

Bacterial meningitis is the most serious form of meningitis, because of the potential for complications. There is more information on its treatment below.

What are the signs of meningitis?

Symptoms of meningitis may include small, red-purple spots or bruises on the body, according to Ottawa Public Health. Other signs include vomiting, high fever, a severe headache and sensitivity to bright lights. People may also have a stiff neck and joint pains, and they may feel irritable, drowsy or confused.

Signs of the illness may show up within a few hours, or over a few days. Public health officials advise people to contact their health-care providers or visit the hospital if they experience symptoms.

How do you get bacterial meningitis?

Is meningitis contagious? Health officials say bacterial and viral meningitis may spread from person to person through respiratory droplets or throat secretions.

Most bacteria that cause the illness are found in the human nose and throat, according to a World Health Organization fact sheet about the condition.

Is meningitis fatal?

Bacterial meningitis is the most serious form of meningitis and can be deadly. Bacterial meningitis was reportedly a factor in Chase’s death.

The serious bacterial infection needs immediate treatment using antibiotics, according to Ottawa Public Health. It could cause deafness, brain injury and other long-term complications, as well as death, the municipal government agency said.

Meningococcal and pneumococcal are the two most common kinds of bacterial meningitis.It was unclear what type of bacterial meningitis had reportedly contributed to Chase’s death.

Meningitis treatment

Meningitis is a “medical emergency” and requires urgent medical attention, according to the World Health Organization. Antibiotic treatment should start as soon as possible for bacterial meningitis.

Antibiotics don’t work for viral meningitis, but patients usually recover without treatment, according to Ottawa Public Health.

What is the best way to prevent meningitis?

The World Health Organization said vaccines offer the best protection against common forms of bacterial meningitis. Vaccines can work for the illness if it’s caused by meningococcus, pneumococcus or Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib).

Experts recommend washing hands often, especially before eating, and avoiding sharing products such as utensils and toothbrushes.

With files from AFP