Septicaemia- Signs and symptoms

Some of the bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicaemia (or blood poisoning). Sometimes people can have meningitis alone, septicaemia alone or both at the same time. If both meningitis and septicaemia occur at the same time a person may have some symptoms of meningitis and some of septicaemia.

Children and adults

Septicaemia can develop quickly. In older children and adults the symptoms and signs of septicaemia may occur together with those of meningitis. The symptoms of meningococcal septicaemia in children and adults may include:-

· Fever (possibly with cold hands and feet)
· Chills
· Pain in legs or arms
. Unusual skin colour or pale complexion
. Pain in abdomen or chest
. Breathing problems or rapid breathing
· Diarrhoea
· Nausea or vomiting
· Sore muscles or joints
· Drowsiness / reduced conciousness / lethargy (However many people may be quite alert until late in the development of the disease.)
· Confusion
· Behaviour changes – may be irritable or restless
· Rash - [The rash can start anywhere on the body. The rash can vary in appearance particularly during the early stages and not every person who has septicaemia, will have a rash. The rash can start as a pink rash, a pink, purple or red spot. It can also appear as red, purple or brownish coloured pin prick spots, which may develop, into a bruise like rash. The spots or bruises do not usually fade when pressed*. (*However this is not always a dependable test.) The rash does not occur in every case of meningococal disease and if it does occur, is often one of the last symptoms to occur. Do not wait for a rash to appear. The rash must be taken seriously. Seek urgent medical attention.]

If you think someone has a septicemic rash seek urgent medical attention.

The symptoms do not need to occur in any order and may not all be present. If you think someone may have meningitis and/or septicaemia seek immediate medical attention and advice.

Infants and young children

In infants and young children the symptoms and signs of meningitis and septicaemia may be similar and develop rapidly.
The symptoms of meningococcal septicaemia (blood poisoning) in infants and young children may include: -

· Fever (possibly with cold hands and feet)
· Refusing feeds or vomiting
· High pitched moaning cry or whimpering
· Dislike of being handled or fretful
· Blank staring expression
· Child is difficult to wake or lethargic
· Pale blotchy complexion
· Rash - (The rash can start anywhere on the body. The rash can vary in appearance particularly during the early stages and not every person who has septicaemia, will have a rash. The rash can start as a pink rash, a pink, purple or red spot. It can also appear as red, purple or brownish coloured pin prick spots, which may develop, into a bruise like rash. The rash does not occur in every case and if it does occur, is often one of the last symptoms to occur. Do not wait for a rash to appear. The rash must be taken seriously. Seek urgent medical attention. )
· Diarrhoea
· Floppy or stiff body or jerking body movements
· Breathing problems or increased rate of breathing

The symptoms do not need to occur in any order and may not all be present. Babies become ill very quickly. If you think a baby is ill or may have meningitis and/or septicaemia seek medical attention and advice urgently. If your GP or hospital has reassured you, do not hesitate to return to the GP or Hospital immediately if the symptoms worsen or you are still concerned.

For further information about meningococal septicaemia visit:- http://www.meningococcal.org/symptoms.html

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

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.