Signs and symptoms: Everything you need to know about MENINGITIS

Meningitis is a potentially life threatening disease, where the outer covering of the brain and spinal cord becomes inflamed. It’s caused by a virus, bacteria or sometimes a fungus, and, left untreated, it can be fatal within a matter of hours.

While the viral incarnation of the disease is fairly common, and usually not fatal, the bacterial version, and the complication known as meningococcal septicaemia, are far more rare, and are very serious, and potentially fatal.

Meningitis usually starts with a very high fever, and a red or blotchy rash on the skin. People and children with meningitis usually have a stiff neck, a sensitivity to light, headache, vomiting and drowsiness. They may also experience seizures, and babies often have swollen soft spots, diarrhoea, irritability or drowsiness, a floppy body, and an abnormal cry that’s often high pitched.

Because of the serious risks that meningitis poses to babies, children and adults, it’s important that you have your child vaccinated with the 6 in 1 vaccination. If you suspect that your child may have contracted meningitis, or any of the diseases associated with it, it’s also vital that you seek immediate medical care.

Hib is a bacterial infection that is spread through coughing and sneezing. It’s usually only dangerous to people with weakened immune systems, but since it can lead to more serious diseases, including meningitis, it’s important that you have your child vaccinated against it.

Hib infection is most common in children under four, however anyone can catch it. The vaccine (6 in 1) that protects against Hib is administered at two, four and six months of age, and although there may be mild side effects, it’s recommended that every child receive this vaccination.

What are the symptoms of meningitis?

Patients with meningitis become very ill, very quickly. The classic symptoms of headache, neck stiffness and rash may not occur. One or more of the following symptoms below may occur. Note that not all symptoms may occur. Many children who are developing meningitis have non-specific symptoms such as just feeling or looking generally unwell. These symptoms may include having a high temperature, being more tired than usual, and feeling sick.

The following symptoms commonly develop early on:

Leg pains, which are often severe and prevent a child from standing or walking.
Cold hands or feet - even if the child has a high temperature.
Pale, dusky or blue colour of the skin around the lips.
Rash - commonly occurs but not always. A typical rash is common with meningococcal infection. The rash is red or purple. Small spots develop at first and may occur in groups anywhere on the body. They often grow to become blotchy and look like little bruises. One or two may develop at first, but many may then appear in different parts of the body. The spots/blotches do not fade when pressed (unlike many other rashes). To check for this, do the glass test. Place a clear glass firmly on one of the spots or blotches. If the spot/blotch does not fade and you can still see it through the glass, get medical help immediately.

Other symptoms that may occur in babies:

Excessive crying - often high-pitched or moaning and different to their usual cry.
Fast breathing or distressed breathing.
High temperature - but the baby may not look hot and the skin may look pale or blotchy, or turn blue. The hands and feet may feel cold. The baby may shiver.
Will not take feeds - sometimes, repeatedly vomiting.
Being irritable - especially when picked up and handled.
Drowsiness or sleepiness - does not wake easily.
A bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the baby's head) sometimes develops.
Jerky movements may occur and the body may appear stiff. Sometimes the opposite occurs and the body appears quite floppy. Fits or seizures sometimes develop.