Meningococcal Disease (Meningitis)

Signs and symptoms

Note: symptoms will vary, depending on whether it is meningococcal meningitis (which affects the spinal cord and brain) or meningococcal septicaemia (poisoning of the bloodstream).

• Sudden onset of high fever which may not respond to paracetamol.
• There may also be a headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, cold shivers, cold hands or feet, muscle or joint pain, a pale skin, stiff neck or sensitivity to light.
• Additional symptoms in babies may include refusing to feed, fretfulness, a shrill or moaning cry, a blank staring expression, being floppy or lethargic, arching of the body or neck, or a tense or bulging fontanelle (the soft spot on baby’s head).
• A rash may appear in the later stages. This can start as a pink or red spot, blister or pinprick rash anywhere on the body, and may quickly spread into purple bruise like blotches.

NOTE: The red or purple meningococcal rash is a medical emergency – if this appears, along with other symptoms, an ambulance should be called. But don’t wait for a rash to appear before seeking treatment.

Seek urgent medical attention

This disease is often very difficult to diagnose, even for doctors – so if you suspect your child might have the disease, seek urgent medical treatment. Do not attempt to manage suspected meningococcal disease at home. Your doctor will need to report any outbreaks to the local Public Health Unit so other people who might be infected can be contacted.

There are now vaccinations available for most strains of meningococcal disease so check with your doctor to make sure your family is immunised.

For more information:
Meningococcal Australia: www.meningococcal.org.au