Contagious Rashes - Meningitis
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Meningitis is a very serious, but rare condition in which there is inflammation in lining of the brain and spinal cord (meninges). Meningitis is very contagious and babies and toddlers with this condition need to be kept away from other children until they are clear of the infection.
Meningitis can be caused by either a bacterial or viral infection.
Meningococcal, which is a common type of bacterial meningitis, usually occurs with septicaemia (poisoning of the blood) and these conditions can be life-threatening.
Meningitis has an incubation period of: 2-10 days
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Symptoms of meningitis (& septicaemia)
- Crying - babies and toddlers may not stop crying
- Fever - a high temperature (fever)
- Headache - most often accompanied by the stiff neck, although on babies, the fontanelle (soft spot on the forehead) can appear to be bulging
- Stiff neck - this is one of the classic signs of meningitis
- Stomach upset - vomiting and nausea or pain (can be more of a sign that septicaemia is starting)
- Rash - can start as a cluster of tiny blood spots that look like pin pricks and develops into large purple marks all over the body that do not turn white when the skin is pressed (this is a sign of septicaemia which is very serious, life-threatening and at an advanced stage)
- Unusual body movement - babies and toddlers may arch their back or have a very floppy body
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Treatment of meningitis (& septicaemia)
Meningitis and septicaemia are medical emergencies and you need to call an ambulance, especially if the purple rash is present.
- Antibiotics - the baby or toddler will be given antibiotics, either orally (tablets) or intravenously (into a vein) depending on the severity and stage of the condition
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