The symptoms of meningitis are similar for both bacterial and viral forms of the disease. Adults and older children typically experience:
* Fever and chills
* Headache
* Vomiting
* Stiff neck (patient may not be able to curl up in bed with nose to knees)
* Irritability and drowsiness
* Eyes that are sensitive to light
* Delirium and confusion (uncommon)
* Seizures (rare)
* Coma (rare)
Symptoms in infants and young children include:
* Whimpering and crying in a high-pitched tone
* Difficulty in waking and very lethargic when awake
* Fussiness when being held or cuddled
* Arching the back and retracting the neck
* Staring blankly at their surroundings
* Having a high fever and cold hands and feet
* Refusing food
* Vomiting
* Appearing pale or blotchy
Meningococcal meningitis often causes a distinctive rash. This rash is the result of a form of septicemiaAn infection in the bloodstream that results from some cases of meningococcal meningitis. It is characterized by a rash caused by broken blood vessels. (infection in the bloodstream), a potentially fatal condition.
Septicemia occurs when the meningococcus bacteria multiply uncontrollably in the bloodstream. The bacteria release toxins into the blood that break down the walls of the blood vessels, allowing blood to leak into the skin. The leaking causes a characteristic rash, called a hemorrhagic rash. The rash can appear anywhere on the body, including in the eyes and often between the toes.
The rash starts as a cluster of tiny blood spots, which look like pin pricks in the skin. If untreated, these spots gradually grow and become multiple areas of bleeding, resembling fresh bruises under the skin surface. The spots or bruises do not blanch (turn white) when pressed.
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