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Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges (membranes which cover the brain and spinal cord. The invasive microbes could be bacterial, viral or fungal in nature.
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Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis. The bacteria are transmitted from person-to-person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from carriers.
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Signs and symptoms:
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pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
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high temperature
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stiff neck
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photophobia (dislike bright lights)
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seizures
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vomiting/nausea
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spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
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respiratory distress (rapid breathing)
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Healthcare professionals should be aware that classical signs of meningitis (neck stiffness, bulging fontanelle, high-pitched cry) are often absent in infants with bacterial meningitis [2]
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If a rash does not fade under a glass, it can be a sign of sepsis.
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Refer to A&E if suspected meningitis or call 999 if suspected sepsis
The rash usually starts as small, red pinpricks before spreading quickly and turning into red or purple blotches.
It does not fade if you press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin.
The rash can be harder to see on brown or black skin. Check paler areas, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, roof of the mouth, tummy, whites of the eyes or the inside of the eyelids. [3]