Symptoms
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Meningitis and septicaemia can be hard to recognise in the early stages. Symptoms can be similar to those of the common flu and can develop quickly over a matter of hours.
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The signs and symptoms do not appear in a definite order and may not occur all together.
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The symptoms listed do not include every possible sign and symptom of meningitis or sepsis.
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It’s important to know the warning signs and to get medical treatment fast. Until the cause of meningitis is known, it should be regarded as a medical emergency.
Know the Symptoms
Older children/adults:
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Fever
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Severe headache
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Behavioural changes
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Sensitivity to light
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Cold hands and feet
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Irritability
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Drowsy or difficult to wake
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Vomiting
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Listless, less responsive
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Diarrhoea
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Pale or blotchy skin
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Blank, staring expression
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Rash or spots that don’t fade with pressure (also called purpura, petechiae or ecchymosis)*
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Rapid breathing
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Seizures, fits or convulsions
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Muscle, leg or joint pain
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Stiff neck
Infants:
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Fever
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Unusual high-pitched cry
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Dislike of being handled
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Difficult to wake
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Loss of appetite, refusing food or drink
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Blank staring (or vacant) look
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Pale or blotchy skin
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Rash or spots that don’t fade with pressure (also called purpura, petechiae or ecchymosis)*
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Irritability
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Vomiting
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Bulging fontanelle
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Neck retraction
* Not everyone who contracts meningitis will get a rash. Don’t wait for a rash to appear before getting help.
