Symptoms

Meningitis and septicaemia are not easy to recognize in the early stages. The symptoms can be similar to those of common viral illnesses such as influenza. Many CoMO members provide information on signs and symptoms on their websites in a variety of different languages.

For example: symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia issued by the Meningitis Trust (UK) in the English language can be found here while symptoms of meningitis, in written and audio form, issued by the Meningitis Research Foundation (UK) in 22 other languages, can be found here.

The rash seen in meningococcal septicaemia, called petechiae, is caused by bleeding into the skin from damaged small blood vessels. This rash does not fade with pressure, unlike the rashes often seen with viral infections. Over time, often very quickly, the spots may enlarge to form large bruises, called purpura.

An often used test to determine if the petechial rash fades with pressure is called the Glass Test. A clear glass tumbler is pressed firmly against the skin. If the rash does not fade, it may be septicaemia and must be treated as a medical emergency.

A video of the glass test issued by the Meningitis Research Foundation (UK) may be found here.