"The Meningitis Centre is striving to eliminate Meningitis in Australia by lobbying for vaccines and educating the community to be aware of the signs and symptoms. The Centre also provides support for families affected by the disease"
How serious is meningitis
Meningitis is a serious illness, however if the disease is diagnosed early and treated promptly most people make a complete recovery. In the case of bacterial meningitis, the sufferer will become very ill and deteriorate rapidly - prompt treatment can mean the difference between life and death. However, in some cases it can be fatal, or it may lead to permanent disability such as deafness, limb amputation, or brain damage.
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Photo courtesy of the Mandurah Mail |
How can you tell if someone has meningitis?
Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may progress over one or two days, but it can also develop very rapid ly, sometimes in a matter of hours. Most cases of meningitis start with a high fever, severe headache and neck stiffness. Vomiting and drowsiness often follow. The person may complain of discomfort on looking at bright lights. In some cases a rash may occur and can vary in appearance.
In some cases a rash of pink, red-purple spots or bruises, which usually do not fade under pressure*, may appear. (*However this is not always a dependable test.) This rash is caused by blood poisoning (septicaemia) and is a very serious sign.
If you suspect meningitis, seek urgent medical advice. Do not wait for a rash to appear.
Signs and symptoms of meningitis in babies may include:
Fever possibly with cold hands and feet
Refusing feeds or vomiting
Dislike of being handled or cries when moved
Fretful or irritable behaviour
Child is difficult to wake / Drowsiness / Lethargic
Rash - may vary in appearance. (In some cases a rash of red-purple spots or bruises may occur*)
High-pitched, moaning cry or whimpering
Pale or blotchy skin
Neck retraction with arching of back
Rapid Breathing
Blank and staring expression
Limp body or may be stiff and have twitching movements or convulsions
The symptoms do not need to occur in any order and may not all be present.
Signs and symptoms of meningitis in older children and adults:
Headache
Fever
Vomiting
Neck stiffness
Muscle and joint pains
Drowsiness / confusion
Rash - may vary in appearance. (In some cases a rash of red-purple spots or bruises may occur*)
Discomfort on looking at bright lights
Chills
Fitting or convulsions
(*Both children and adults may have a rash. The rash can occur anywhere on the body and is due to blood poisoning (septicaemia), which sometimes occurs together with meningitis. The rash can vary in appearance, it can start as a pink rash, a pink, purple or red spot. It can also appear as tiny, pink, red-purple or brownish spots or bruises. The rash does not usually fade when pressed (however this is not always a dependable test). The rash is caused by bleeding into the skin. The rash should be taken seriously. Seek urgent medical attention.)
For more information about the signs and symptoms of menignitis visit meningitis signs and symptoms
The symptoms do not need to occur in any order and may not all be present. A rash does not always occur. Do not wait for a rash. Seek immediate medical attention.
If you are concerned about someone's health, or suspect they may have meningitis, seek urgent medical attention. If your GP or hospital has reassured you, do not hesitate to return to the GP or hospital immediately if the symptoms wersen or you are still concerned.
Disclaimer
The Meningitis Centre is a 'not for profit' support organisation based in Australia, not a professional medical authority. Consequently the text on this web site provides general information about meningitis and septicaemia, not medical advice and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of the diseases. Please consult your doctor to discuss the information or if you are concerned someone may be ill.
