The San Juan County Health Department is following up with relatives and others who may have come into contact with a 54-year-old Friday Harbor man who died of meningitis in his home on New Year’s Eve.

The victim, identified by the county coroner as Mark Ambrose Trahan, had reportedly complained of earaches and headaches, but had not sought medical attention and had felt well enough to be active until at least two days before his death. His body was discovered by sheriff’s deputies after a neighbor expressed concern about his well-being.

Coroner Randall Gaylord said the cause of death was determined by an autopsy.

County health officials say meningitis is characterized by a sudden onset of illness resulting from one of several bacterial infections. Symptoms of the disease include high fever, sore throat, a stiff neck and headache.

The disease is spread by direct contact with bodily fluids, including “respiratory droplets” from the nose and throat. Some persons who become infected are not affected, but others can become seriously ill.

Meningitis can be treated with antibiotics, and persons who have had close, direct contact with an infected person should contact their medical provider or San Juan County Health and Community Services, 378-4474.

A spokesperson for Health and Community Services emphasized that people who have had only casual and distant contacts should not be concerned.

A vaccine is available to protect against several common types of meningitis and the Centers for Disease Control routinely recommend that adolescents aged 11 to 18 be vaccinated because persons in that age group are more likely have close group contacts such as at sporting events, live in close quarters such as dormitories and have a tendency to share saliva in eating and drinking utensils.

For more information, call San Juan County Health and Community Services at 378-4474.