How do I know if I have meningococcal meningitis?

How do I know if I have meningococcal meningitis?

Signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease usually start suddenly and include fever, headache, and a stiff neck. It can start with symptoms similar to influenza (flu). Often people with meningococcal disease also have nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, rash, and confusion.

How long can you have meningitis and not know it?

The first symptoms of viral meningitis typically appear between 3 to 7 days after being exposed to the infection. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis appear and progress quickly – bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous type of meningitis, and the infection progresses the fastest.

What are the most common symptoms of meningococcal meningitis?

Symptoms may include:

• Fever and chills.
• Fatigue (feeling tired)
• Vomiting.
• Cold hands and feet.
• Severe aches or pain in the muscles, joints, chest, or abdomen (belly)
• Rapid breathing.
• Diarrhea.
• In the later stages, a dark purple rash (see photos)

Does meningitis show on a CT scan?

The CT scan is a valuable tool in diagnosing meningitis. The contrast dye that is injected during the test can highlight brain, skull, and sinus inflammation- all complications and signs of meningitis.

Does meningitis show up in blood work?

Blood tests can be normal in meningitis but sometimes may show signs of infection, such as elevated white blood cells in a complete blood cell count (CBC) test or elevated proteins in a total protein test.

How do people get pneumococcal meningitis?

Pneumococcal meningitis is transmitted from one person to another. The bacteria are spread through direct contact with the tiny droplets from an infected person’s mouth, throat, or nose. For example, if someone with the infection coughs or sneezes on or near you, you may contract the disease.

Can adults get meningococcal meningitis?

Meningococcal meningitis involves the central nervous system. In adults and children it is often preceded by respiratory illness or a sore throat. In its acute form, the disorder is characterized by fever, headache, a stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and altered mental state such as confusion or coma.

What are the symptoms of meningitis in the UK?

UK 080 8800 3344 Ireland 1800 41 33 44. Meningitis and septicaemia can kill in hours – know the symptoms. The first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell. Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than the rash, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and confusion.

What are the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia?

Symptoms Checker Meningitis and septicaemia can kill in hours – know the symptoms. The first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell. Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than the rash, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and confusion.

How do I know if I have bacterial or viral meningitis?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms. Bacterial and viral meningitis can be deadly. There’s no way to know if you have bacterial or viral meningitis just by judging how you feel. Your doctor will need to perform tests to determine which type you have.

What are the signs and symptoms of chondromalacia meningitis?

Chronic meningitis develops over two weeks or more. The signs and symptoms of chronic meningitis — headache, fever, vomiting and mental cloudiness — are similar to those of acute meningitis. Fungal meningitis is relatively uncommon in the United States. It may mimic acute bacterial meningitis.