Symptoms

Early meningitis symptoms may mimic the flu (influenza). Symptoms may develop over several hours or over a few days.

Possible signs and symptoms in anyone older than the age of 2 include:

• Sudden high fever
• Stiff neck
• Severe headache that seems different from normal
• Headache with nausea or vomiting
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Seizures
• Sleepiness or difficulty waking
• Sensitivity to light
• No appetite or thirst
• Skin rash (sometimes, such as in meningococcal meningitis)

Signs in newborns

Newborns and infants may show these signs:

• High fever
• Constant crying
• Excessive sleepiness or irritability
• Difficulty waking from sleep
• Inactivity or sluggishness
• Not waking to eat
• Poor feeding
• Vomiting
• A bulge in the soft spot on top of a baby's head (fontanel)
• Stiffness in the body and neck

Infants with meningitis may be difficult to comfort, and may even cry harder when held.

When to see a doctor

Seek immediate medical care if you or someone in your family has meningitis signs or symptoms, such as:

• Fever
• Severe, unrelenting headache
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Stiff neck

Bacterial meningitis is serious and can be fatal within days without prompt antibiotic treatment. Delayed treatment increases the risk of permanent brain damage or death.

It's also important to talk to your doctor if a family member or someone you live or work with has meningitis. You may need to take medications to prevent getting the infection.