Meningitis & Septicaemia - symptom list

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Common early warning symptoms
Many children who are developing meningitis or septicaemia have 'non-specific' symptoms such as just feeling or looking generally unwell. However, three symptoms that commonly develop early on - often before the more classic symptoms listed later - are:

• Leg pains. The pains can become 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
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 tumbler test. Place a clear glass (tumbler) 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. (Note: a rash does not occur in all cases of meningitis and septicaemia but can be quite characteristic when it does occur.)

Other symptoms that may occur in babies

• Excessive crying - often high pitched or moaning and different to their usual cry.
• Fast breathing, or unusual patterns of breathing.
• Fever - 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 repeated vomiting.
• Being irritable - especially when picked up and handled.
• Drowsiness or sleepiness - does not wake easily.
• A bulging fontanelle sometimes develops. The is the 'soft spot' on the baby's head.
• Jerky movements may occur and the body may appear stiff. Sometimes the opposite occurs and the body appears quite floppy. Convulsions (fits or seizures) sometimes develop.

• Fever and shivering - however, the hands and feet often feel cold.
• Stiff neck - cannot bend the neck forward.
• Headache - which can become severe.
• Fast breathing.
• Aches and pains in muscles or joints - the pains can become quite severe.
• The skin may look pale or blotchy, or turn blue.
• Dislike of bright lights - will shut eyes and turn away from the light.
• Drowsiness or confusion - may appear 'vacant'.
• Repeated vomiting. Sometimes abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

The course of symptoms
The symptoms often develop quickly, over a few hours or so. The symptoms can occur in any order, and not all may occur. Sometimes symptoms develop more slowly, over a few days. The symptoms may suggest a less serious illness at first. For example, fever, headaches, and vomiting are common with many viral illnesses such as flu. Therefore, even if you think it was flu to start with, if symptoms become worse then it may be meningitis or septicaemia.

Further sources of help or advice

NHS direct - Tel (24hr) 0845 4647. Will advise if you are concerned about symptoms.
Meningitis Trust - Tel (24hr) 0845 6000 800   Web: www.meningitis-trust.org
Meningitis Research Foundation - Tel (24hr) 080 8800 3344   Web: www.meningitis.org

© EMIS and PIP 2006   Updated: January 2006   PRODIGY Validated

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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