Key Points

What is Meningococcal Disease?
- The difference between Meningitis and Septicaemia
- Symptoms of Meningitis and Septicaemia

Causes of Meningitis

Commonly Asked Questions

Useful Links

Glossary

Symptoms of Meningitis and Septicemia

Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia may not always be easy to detect, in early stages the symptoms can be similar to flu.  They may develop over one or two days, but sometimes develop in a matter of hours.

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

Symptoms for meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia:

Babies and Young Children

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

• Vomiting or refusing feeds
  

• High pitched moaning, whimpering cry
  

• Blank, staring expression
  

• Pale, blotchy complexion
  

• Stiff neck
  

• Arched back
  

• Baby may be floppy, may dislike being handled, be fretful
  

• Difficult to wake or lethargic
  

• The fontanelle (soft spot on babies heads) may be tense or bulging.

Older Children and Adults

In the early stages, signs and symptoms can be similar to many other more common illnesses, foe example flu. Early symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting and general tiredness.

The common signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia are shown above. Others can include rapid breathing, diarrhoea and stomach cramps. In babies, check if the soft spot (fontanelle) on the top of the head is tense or bulging.

One sign of meningococcal septicaemia is a rash that does not fade under pressure (see ‘Glass test’)

• This rash is caused by blood leaking under the skin. It starts anywhere on the body. It can spread quickly to look like fresh bruises.
• This rash is more difficult to see on darker skin. Look on the paler areas of the skin and under the eyelids.

Picture Courtesy of Dr Petter Brandtzaeg

‘Glass Test’

A rash that does not fade under pressure will still be visible when the side of a clear drinking glass is pressed firmly against the skin.

If someone is ill or obviously getting worse, do not wait for a rash. It may appear late or not at all.

A fever with a rash that does not fade under pressure is a medical emergency.

What to do if you suspect meningitis or septicaemia:

• Contact your GP immediately. If you GP is not available, go straight to your nearest accident and emergency department.
• Describe the symptoms carefully and say that you think it could be meningitis or septicaemia
• Early diagnosis can be difficult. If you have seen a doctor and are still worried, don’t be afraid to ask for medical help again.