DO NOT wait for a rash. If your baby or toddler is ill and getting worse, get medical help immediately.
Symptoms can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all.
Common signs & symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia in babies and toddlers.
Fever, cold hands and feet
Refusing food and vomiting
Fretful, dislike being handled
Drowsy, floppy, unresponsive
Rapid breathing or grunting
Pale, blotchy skin. Spots/rash.
See the Glass Test
Unusual cry, moaning
Tense, bulging fontanelle (soft spot)
Stiff neck, dislike bright lights
Early symptoms can include:
Fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain and fever with cold hands and feet.
Someone with meningitis or septicaemia can get a lot worse very quickly. Keep checking them.
Trust your instincts – Get medical help immediatelyGet medical help immediately
Why are the under-5s at risk?
Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to meningitis as they cannot easily fight infection because their immune system is not yet fully developed. The most common causes of meningitis are bacteria and viruses.
Viral meningitis is rarely life-threatening, but can still make babies and young children very unwell. Most children will make a good recovery, but recovery can be slow.
Bacterial meningitis can be fatal and needs rapid admission to hospital and urgent medical treatment. Whilst most children will make a good recovery, around 10% will die and some will be left with lifelong disabilities.
Find out more about the after-effects of meningitis and septicaemia.
Some bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicaemia (blood poisoning). The rash associated with meningitis is actually caused by septicaemia. You should never wait for a rash, it can be a late sign or may not appear at all. Learn more about the rash and glass test.
Download more information about meningitis in babies and children under 5.