Meningitis

Meningitis

What it is
Inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord; infection can be viral or bacterial.

Signs and symptoms
Your baby will have a high fever, may be irritable with a highpitched, moaning cry; vomit or lose her appetite, have pale or blotchy skin, a tense or bulging fontanelle, fast/shallow breathing and/or very cold hands and feet. A rash may develop with purple/red bruiselike spots that do not fade when under pressure.
Don’t wait for a rash to appear before seeking medical advice. This only happens in the type known as ‘meningococcal meningitis.’

What your doctor can do
Refer baby to hospital immediately for antibiotic treatment and intensive care.
What you can do
See your doctor or go to A&E immediately if your baby has these symptoms.

Meningitis vaccinations

There are vaccinations for Meningitis C and HiB (Haemophilus influenzae type B) infection, which can cause meningitis, and pneumococcal infection, a very dangerous illness causing blood poisoning, meningitis and pneumonia. Having these immunisations will reduce the risk to your baby of developing meningitis and serious breathing problems (epiglottitis). However, there are other forms of meningitis for which there are no vaccinations so you should still be on the look out for the signs and symptoms of this serious condition, see previous page.

Meningitis

meningitis is always a medical emergency needing urgent attention. Call your doctor or go to A&E if your baby has signs of meningitis.
a rash does not appear in all forms of meningitis. it occurs in the type known as 'meningococcal meningitis' only.
don't wait for the rash to appear before seeking medical advice.
immunisation cannot protect against all forms of meningitis; if your baby shows signs of miningitis seek medical advice straight away.
don't worry about it being a false alarm. Every doctor would prefer to see a baby who doesn't have meningitis , than miss one who does!