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Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia
Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can appear in ANY ORDER and symptoms can occur AT THE SAME TIME. Some
symptoms may not appear at all.
The symptoms described below are based on the guidance published by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE; CG102: Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia).
If you think something is wrong, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY - TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.
General symptoms
These symptoms develop as part of the body’s normal response to an infection and might be easily confused with symptoms of other common illnesses.
- Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
- Severe lethargy (tiredness, exhaustion, fatigue)
- Irritability/Unsettled behaviour
- Ill appearance
- Severe joint/muscle pain
- Headache
- Breathing difficulties
- Fever
Specific symptoms of MENINGITIS
These symptoms are more specific to meningitis and are less common in other illnesses. Especially sensitivity to light, neck stiffness and rigidity together with a fever are a good diagnostic indicators for meningitis.
- Stiff neck (due to inflammation in the spinal cord area)
- Dislike of bright light (Photophobia)
- Seizure, stiff/jerky movements (due to inflammation of the meninges around the brain and spinal cord)
- Altered mental state/confusion
Specific symptoms of SEPTICAEMIA
These symptoms are more specific to septicaemia. However, other illnesses may also cause some of these symptoms, such as the non-fading rash.
- Cold hands & feet (due to lack of blood flow to the limbs)
- Leg pain (due to lack of blood flow to the lower limbs)
- Abnormal skin colour (due to lack of oxygen in the blood)
- Altered mental state/confusion
- Non-fading rash (due to leaking of the capillaries which results in blood accumulating directly under the skin)
Click here to find out more about the rash and how to do the Tumbler Test
Symptoms in BABIES and TODDLERS
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, other symptoms to look out for in babies include:
- blotchy skin, quite pale or turning blue
- tense or bulging soft spot (fontanelle)on the baby's head
- poor feeding
- high pitched cry/irritable (especially when being held or touched)
The classical signs and symptoms of meningitis may be absent in babies and toddlers.
It is particularly hard to tell when babies and toddlers are ill and what their symptoms are. Unfortunately, the symptoms in babies do not present in any particular order. However a bulging soft spot (fontanelle) is a good indicator, especially if the baby also has fever.
In the majority of cases, with babies in particular, you will notice a rapid deterioration in their condition. It is important to trust your instincts - you know your child best. If you suspect anything is wrong, seek medical help immediately by going to your nearest GP or casualty unit.
Sadly, there are occasions when people show no or very few symptoms, which can make spotting the disease incredibly difficult for both families and health professionals.
Be prepared - download a symptoms chart (pdf, opens in a new window) now.
Remember your loved ones
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