Marin County Cycling Gym Member Dies Of Meningitis

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LARKSPUR (CBS SF) -- The Marin County coroner's office has identified the man who is believed to have died Saturday from bacterial meningitis as Sevin Philips, 48, of San Rafael.

Marin County Public Health Officer Dr. Matthew Willis said the meningitis case was reported to his office on Tuesday.

Philips worked out at the Soul Cycle gym in Larkspur, and the Marin County Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Unit is identifying and notifying individuals who may have been exposed to the bacterial infection between Dec. 31 and Jan. 7, Willis said.

So far 300 people have been contacted, and no additional cases have been reported, Willis said Friday afternoon.

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.