Meningitis - Signs and Symptoms

Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges (the membrane lining of the brain and spinal cord).

Symptoms can occur in any order: they may not occur at the same time and may not all be present.

A rash may also occur with some forms of meningitis

Don't ignore the symptoms - meningitis can kill within hours. Seek immediate medical attention. Prompt action saves lives.

Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may progress over one or two days but it can also develop very rapidly, sometimes in a matter of hours. Most cases of meningitis start with a high fever, severe headache and neck stiffness (however neck stiffness is an uncommon symptom in young children). Vomiting and drowisness often follow. The person may complain of discomfort when looking at bright lights* (*however this is also an uncommon symptom in young children). In some cases a rash may appear.

If you suspect meningitis, seek urgent medical attention. Do not wait for a rash to appear.

Children and Adults

Signs and symptoms of meningitis in children and adults may include:

headache, fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and/or joint pain, drowsiness or confusion, discomfort when looking at bright lights or light sensitivity, fitting or convulsions, a rash- may vary in appearance and can start anywhere on the body.

[In some cases the rash may start as a pink rash, a pink, purple or red spot. It can also appear as pink, red, purple or brownish coloured pin prick spots which may develop into a bruise like rash. The rash can start anywhere on the body and is due to blood poisoning (septicaemia), which sometimes occurs together with meningitis. 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.]

Infants

Signs and symptoms of meningitis in babies and infants may include:

fever, possibly with cold hands and feet, refusing feeds or vomiting, dislike of being handled and /or cries when moved, fretful or irritable behaviour, child is difficult to wake / lethargic or limp, high pitched moaning cry or whimpering, pale or blotchy complexion, neck retraction with arching of back, blank staring expression, convulsions or fitting or jerking body movements, rash - may vary in appearance and can start anywhere on the body.

[In some cases the rash may start as a pink rash, a pink, purple or red spot. It can also appear as pink, red, purple or brownish coloured pin prick spots which may develop into a bruise like rash. The rash can start anywhere on the body and is due to blood poisoning (septicaemia), which sometimes occurs together with meningitis. 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]

Babies become ill very quickly. If you think a baby is ill or you are concerned about their health seek medical attention and advice urgently.

Septicaemia

Septicaemia can also affect adults, children and infants. Some bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause blood poisioning or septicaemia.

Septicemia can develop quickly. For signs and symptoms of meningococcal septicaemia; see the Septicaemia - signs and symptoms section of this website and visit:- http://www.meningococcal.org/symptoms.html

For further information please contact HealthDirect (if you live in Western Australia) on 1800 022 222.

If you are concerned about someone’s health, or suspect they may have meningitis and/or septicaemia seek urgent medical attention. If you GP or hospital has reassured you, do not hesitate to return to your GP or hospital immediately if the symptoms worsen or you are still concerned. 
Symptom Magnet 2005 (144.6kb pdf)

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. Please consult your doctor to discuss the information or if you are concerned someone may be ill.