Harris County Jail Inmate Dies from Bacterial Meningitis; Officials Investigate

A 53-year-old man in Harris County Jail custody died Thursday at a local hospital after being diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. The inmate had been hospitalized since Tuesday, November 11, when he began showing symptoms while housed at the 1200 Baker Street facility. Doctors confirmed the bacterial meningitis diagnosis on Wednesday, November 12. His identity is being withheld due to medical privacy laws.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is working with jail medical provider Harris Health, Harris County Public Health, and the Houston Health Department to identify inmates, staff, and others who may have been exposed. Medical professionals are following strict treatment and observation protocols, and so far, no additional cases have been confirmed among jail residents or employees.

Bacterial meningitis spreads through respiratory and throat secretions, not casual contact. Symptoms include sudden fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In later stages, a dark purple, brown, or black rash may appear. Anyone experiencing symptoms is urged to seek immediate medical care.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that protecting the health and safety of staff and inmates remains a top priority. The man’s death has been reported to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, and the Texas Rangers are conducting an independent investigation, as required by state law for all jail deaths.