Meningitis is an infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Septicemia is a blood poisoning by the same germ. Both can develop very rapidly into life-threatening conditions.
Although children are now being vaccinated against one for of meningitis, the infection can be caused by the other bacteria as well, so it is vital that all parents know the signs.
Signs of Meningitis
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Dislike of bright lights.
Fever / Vomiting
Drowsiness
Rash
Signs of Septicemia
Fever / Vomiting
Cold hands and feet
Rapid breathing
Joint / Muscle pain
Stomach pain (sometimes with diarrhoea)
Drowsiness
Rash
Other signs in babies
Tense or bulging fontanel (soft spot on the scalp)
Blotchy skin Pale complexion
Refusing to eat
High pitched or moaning cry
Irritable when picked up
Stiff body with jerky movement or else floppy and lifeless
Difficult to wake or lethargic
Symptoms can appear in any order and not every child gets all the symptoms. If you are worried about someone who is ill, or your child has some of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
The rash is the most telltale sign of meningitis / septicemia and ‘The Tumbler test’ is the best way to identify the rash. Press a glass tumbler firmly against the rash. If you can see the rash through the glass then get medical help immediately (it is harder to see on dark skin so check paler areas).
Do not wait for the rash. It may be the last symptom to appear, and in some cases it may not even appear at all.
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