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It can occur suddenly and requires immediate treatment by a doctor.
The classic signs of meningitis are:
fever;
severe headache;
stiff neck;
photophobia (can’t tolerate light); and
nausea and vomiting.
There may also be:
a rash;
irritability; or
muscle and joint aches and pains.
Because infants cannot explain their pain, their symptoms may be more subtle than in adults. The child may:
be listless or strangely quiet;
be irritable;
have a very high pitched cry; or
have a bulging or tight fontanelle (top of the head).
Neck stiffness may be absent in infants. Mothers are usually very instinctive about their children. If you believe there is ‘something not quite right’ with your child, you should take your child to your doctor.
