San Rafael Man Dies After Contracting Meningitis

SAN RAFAEL, CA – The Marin County coroner on Friday identified a man who is believed to have died after he contracted meningitis.

Sevin Philips, 48, of San Rafael worked out at the Soul Cycle gym in Larkspur.

Marin County Health and Human Services sent out an alert that Marin residents were potentially exposed to the bacterial infection between Dec. 31 and Jan. 7.

Marin County Public Health Officer Dr. Matthew Willis said officials are identifying and notifying individuals who may have been exposed to the bacterial infection. A total of 300 people have been contacted so far, he said. No additional cases have been reported.

Meningitis, an inflammation of the lining of the brain or spinal cord, known as the meninges, is not transmitted through perspiration but by inhaling respiratory droplets spread by coughing or sneezing.

Willis said the risk of contracting the bacterial injection at Soul Cycle or any gym is extremely low.

The most common treatment for meningitis is a single ciprofloxacin antibiotic pill. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis include a sudden onset of fever, headache or stiff neck.

Bay City News contributed to this report. Image via Shutterstock.