The characteristic signs of meningitis are:
General malaise - extreme sleepiness, confusion rambling etc Persistent high temperature that does not go down with Calpol Stiff neck - a total inability to move the neck, not just a stiff feeling that you get when you have swollen glands Photophobia - a severe aversion to light Vomiting - persistent and unaccompanied by abdominal pain or diarrhoea.
In babies there may be a harsh unusual cry and a bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the skull)
The contagious form of meningitis (which is very rare) is caused by the meningococcus bacteria. This can also cause meningococcal septicaemia (blood poisoning) and manifests itself with a purple blotchy rash. The blotches will not turn white or fade when pressed with a glass. Meningococcal septicaemia is a notifyable didease. If you have been in contact with somebody who has developed this type of meningitis in some cases a course of antibiotics is indicated.
There is a new vaccine in production against Meningococcus C - one of the most serious forms of menningitis. The goverment is implementing a mass immunisation policy details of which can be found by following the link below.