Meningitis & Septicaemia Posted or Updated on 31 Mar 2026

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been confirmed in Kent. It's important to know the signs of symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Find out more from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

For vaccination queries, find out more from https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/31/what-is-meningitis-symptoms-risks-and-how-to-protect-yourself/

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Meningitis is a serious condition where the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. Septicaemia is when the bacteria enter the bloodstream to cause blood poisoning. They can happen to anyone so its important to know the symptoms and risks.

Early symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, aches, muscle pain, cold hands and feet and headaches, can look similar to common illnesses like colds or flu. But someone with meningitis or septicaemia will usually become seriously ill in a matter of hours. That's why it's crucial to keep checking on anyone who is unwell.

Meningitis Symptoms

• fever
• a very bad headache (this alone is not a reason to get medical help)
• vomiting
• stiff neck
• dislike of bright lights
• rash (DO NOT wait for a rash to appear before seeking medical advice)
• confusion, delirium
• severe sleepiness, losing consciousness
• fits

Septicaemia Symptoms

• fever and shivering
• severe pains and aches in limbs and joints
• vomiting
• very cold hands and feet
• pale or blotchy skin
• rapid breathing
• diarrhoea and stomach cramps
• red or purple 'bruised' or blotchy rash on skin that does not fade under pressure - do the glass test. On dark skin, check paler areas of the skin, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, inside the mouth (roof), and the eyelids
• difficulty walking or standing
• severe sleepiness, losing consciousness