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Signs and symptoms of meningitis

Meningitis and septicaemia* can happen together. Be aware of all the signs and symptoms. If anybody you know has any of them get urgent medical help. Someone with meningitis or septicaemia can get worse very quickly; keep checking them

Meningitis signs and symptoms LB

Early signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia

Meningitis symptoms can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. Early symptoms of meningitis can include:

  • Fever
  • Headache 
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Muscle pain
  • Stomach cramps
  • Fever with cold hands and feet

This is a list of the early symptoms of meningitis, for more age specific symptoms please see our pages for babies and toddlers, children and adults. 

*Many medical experts now use the term sepsis instead of septicaemia.

Common signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia

  • Fever with cold hands and feet
  • Vomiting
  • Drowsy or difficult to wake
  • Confusion and irritability
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Pale blotchy skin, spots or rash (See Glass Test (link))
  • Severe headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Dislike bright lights
  • Convulsions or seizures

Someone with meningitis or septicaemia can get a lot worse very quickly. Keep checking them. 

DO NOT wait for a rash. If someone is ill and getting worse, trust your instincts - Get medical help immediately

Find out more about meningitis, as well as the symptoms in this short video:


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