Infectious disease researcher, 25, dies from rare bacteria in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO - A researcher at an infectious diseases laboratory in San Francisco has died of a rare bacteria strain, California health officials said, raising fears the man's friends and fellow researchers may too have been infected. The bacterial strain causes septicemia and meningitis, officials said. Septicemia is an inflammation of the bloodstream that causes bleeding into the skin and organs and is believed to be the cause of the man's death. It can be spread by sneezing, coughing or kissing. Meningitis is a bacterial infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, that can result in brain damage and death without immediate treatment. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57427028-10391704/infectious-disease-researcher-25-dies-from-rare-bacteria-in-san-francisco/?tag=stack