Meningitis

If your baby is crying and seems unwell, you may be worried about the possibility of meningitis. Meningitis is a rare illness, but it is frightening because it develops very quickly and has similar symptoms to much milder conditions. It can be hard to diagnose, even for doctors.

A baby with meningitis may have some of the following symptoms:

• A fever
• A blank and staring expression
• Vomiting or refusing feeds
• Fretful with a high pitched moaning cry when handled
• Difficult to rouse
• The soft spot on the top of his head (fontanelle) may be tense or bulging
• Neck retraction (where the neck is arched backwards)
• Fingers and toes may look blue and feel cold even though he has a high temperature
• A pale, blotchy complexion and a rash which does not fade on pressure (see how to do the glass test)

If you suspect meningitis contact a doctor immediately. If your doctor is unavailable ring for an ambulance.

More information on meningitis can be found in the a-z of child health.