Latest meningitis symptoms as UKHSA says rash 'may not appear'
Meningitis is most common in babies and children, and can become serious very quickly
People are being urged to remind themselves of certain warning signs, as health bosses warn meningitis 'can turn serious within hours'. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an urgent alert about an infection that "can become serious in a matter of hours".
Each year, thousands of people across the country are struck down by meningitis, a severe condition in which the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. The illness has multiple causes, including various germs such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Across the UK, the majority of cases stem from bacterial or viral infections. Certain bacteria responsible for meningitis can also trigger septicaemia (blood poisoning), with both conditions potentially leading to sepsis, a life-threatening emergency.
While meningitis can strike anyone, it predominantly affects babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Swift treatment is essential, making it crucial to recognise the warning signs and symptoms, which can emerge in any sequence and may not all manifest.
In a recent post on X, formerly Twitter, UKHSA said: "Meningitis can become serious in a matter of hours. It's more common in young people, but it can affect anyone. Find out what to look out for and how to protect yourself in our latest blog post."
According to the UKHSA, early symptoms – such as vomiting, fever, aches, muscle pain, cold hands and feet and headaches – can look similar to common illnesses like colds or flu. However, someone with meningitis or septicaemia will usually become seriously ill in a matter of hours.
That's why it's crucial to keep checking on anyone who is unwell. Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not happen at all.
Common meningitis symptoms
- fever
- a very bad headache (this alone is not a reason to get medical help)
- vomiting
- stiff neck
- dislike of bright lights
- rash
- confusion, delirium
- severe sleepiness, losing consciousness
- fits
It's important to be aware of how to recognise septicaemia as well as meningitis. The most important signs to look out for are:
- fever and shivering
- severe pains and aches in limbs and joints
- vomiting
- very cold hands and feet
- pale or blotchy skin
- rapid breathing
- diarrhoea and stomach cramps
- red or purple 'bruised' or blotchy rash on skin that does not fade under pressure - do the glass test. On dark skin, check inside the eyelids or roof of the mouth where the spots may be more visible
- difficulty walking or standing
- severe sleepiness, losing consciousness
The symptoms and signs of meningitis and septicaemia in babies can include:
- Refusing feeds, vomiting
- Feeling drowsy and not responding to you, or being difficult to wake
- Being floppy and having no energy, or being stiff with jerky movements
- Being irritable when picked up
- A high-pitched moaning cry
- Grunting
- Rapid or unusual patterns of breathing
- Fever (high temperature)
- Cold hands and/or feet
- Skin that is pale, blotchy or turning blue
- Shivering
- Spots or a rash that does not fade under pressure
The meningitis rash
Although the meningitis rash doesn't always appear and can vary greatly in appearance, it is one of the most recognisable signs of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. You should never wait for a rash to appear before seeking medical advice.
The rash often starts with a few small, isolated spots and typically develops into a non-blanching rash (one that doesn't disappear when pressed). It is important to spot this early as a rapidly evolving rash indicates very severe disease.
The rash can be harder to see on darker skin but may be visible on paler areas such as the soles of feet, palms of hands, abdomen, or inside the eyelid or roof of the mouth. Check the whole body, particularly where clothing creates pressure (underwear elastic, nappies, stockings).
If you suspect that you or someone under your care may have meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis, dial 999 immediately or head to your nearest A&E. Trust your instincts and don't wait for all symptoms or a rash to develop.
Individuals with meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis can deteriorate rapidly. If you're uncertain about the severity of the situation, ring NHS 111. If you've previously sought medical advice but remain concerned or if symptoms worsen, seek medical assistance again.