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What to look out for

Signs and symptoms

Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia may not always be easy to spot at first, because the symptoms can be similar to those of flu. They may develop over one or two days, but sometimes develop in a matter of hours. The incubation period is between two and ten days.

Symptoms do not appear in any particular order and some may not appear at all. It is important to remember that other symptoms may occur.

In babies:

  • High temperature, fever, possibly with cold hands and feet

  • Vomiting, or refusing feeds
  • High pitched moaning, whimpering cry
  • Blank, staring expression
  • Pale, blotchy complexion
  • Baby may be floppy, may dislike being handled, be fretful
  • Fontanelle (soft spot on their head) may be tense or bulging
  • Difficult to wake or lethargic 
Living with Meningitis - Symp babies graphic

 In children and adults: 

  • High temperature, fever, possibly with cold hands and feet

  • Vomiting, sometimes diarrhoea

  • Severe headache

  • Neck stiffness (unable to touch the chin to the chest)

  • Joint or muscle pains, sometimes stomach cramps with septicaemia

  • Dislike of bright lights

  • Drowsiness

  • Fitting

  • Patient may be confused or disoriented 

symptom-adult-child-graphic

Both adults and children may have a rash

Septicaemic rash 

Patients with septicaemia will develop a rash which may start anywhere on the body as a cluster of tiny blood spots, which look like pinpricks in the skin. If untreated, these blood spots will join to give the appearance of fresh bruises.

The "glass test" can be used to see if a rash might be septicaemia. If you press the side of a clear drinking glass firmly onto the spots or bruises, they will not fade. NB. In a small number of cases, the rash may disappear at first, but may later change into one that does not.

sept rash

Even though the rash can be harder to see on dark skin. The glass test can still be done. Look for the spots or bruises on paler parts of the skin, e.g. palms of the hand or soles of the feet. There is sometimes a rash on the surface of the eye - the part mainly covered by the eyelid.

sept rash 2

Do not wait for a rash. It may be the last symptom to appear, and in cases of meningitis without septicaemia may not appear at all.

What should you do?

  • If someone you know is ill and you suspect meningitis/meningococcal septicamia contact your GP immediately.

  • Describe the symptoms carefully, mention that you think it might be meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia.

  • If your doctor is not available go straight to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department and insist on seeing someone.

  • If it is meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia, early treatment with antibiotics is vital

Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia need URGENT medical attention.

 

For further information

The National Meningitis Trust

Fern House,

Bath Road,

Stroud,

Glos GL5 3TJ

Phone/Minicom: 01453 768000. Fax: 01453 768001

Web site: www.meningitis-trust.org.uk

E-mail: support@meningitis-trust.org.uk

24-Hour Helpline: 0845 6000 800

We are indebted to the National Meningitis Trust for their help in compiling this section.