Viral meningitis is caused by viruses found in saliva, blood, nose drainage, and bowel movements. The virus is spread from an infected person to another through coughing, kissing, or sharing food or drinks. Your child may also get a type of viral meningitis if he or she is bitten by a mosquito that carries the West Nile virus.Enterovirus encephalitis (EVE) can present as meningoencephalitis (where it results in both inflammation of the brain and its lining), an illness similar to herpes simplex encephalitis, or a severe brainstem encephalitis. Symptoms can include lethargy, somnolence, altered consciousness, personality change, hallucinations, stiff neck, ataxia ...Meningitis signs and symptoms in babies. Your baby might not experience the same meningitis symptoms as adults (like headache, neck stiffness and nausea) and it can be hard to tell even if they are. Some signs of meningitis you can look for in babies include: Bulging “soft spot” (fontanelle) on baby’s head. Poor eating.Sep 27, 2022 · Protects your child from Hib disease, which can cause lifelong disability and be deadly. Protects your child from the most common type of Hib disease, meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Keeps your child from missing school or child care, and you from missing work. Meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the membranes (meninges) around the brain or spinal cord. Inflammation can begin suddenly (acute) or develop gradually (subacute). Major symptoms may include fever, headache, and a stiff neck, sometimes with aching muscles. Nausea, vomiting and other symptoms may occur. View Full Report.Viral meningitis is the most common type, but it’s not usually life-threatening. The enteroviruses that cause meningitis can spread through direct contact with saliva, nasal mucus, or feces ...The MenB vaccine will protect your baby against infection by meningococcal group B bacteria. These bacteria are responsible for about 9 in every 10 meningococcal infections in young children. Meningococcal infections can be very serious, causing meningitis and sepsis. This can lead to severe brain damage, amputations and, sometimes, death.purple-red skin rash or bruising. pale or blotchy skin. seizures (fits) The most common symptoms of meningitis in older children and adults are: fever. sensitivity to light. very bad headache and stiff or sore neck. nausea or vomiting and loss of appetite. tiredness and drowsiness. Press the bottom or side of a clear drinking glass firmly against the rash. Check if the rash fades under the pressure of the glass. If the rash does not fade, your child may have septicaemia caused by the meningitis germ. Get medical help at once. Meningitis tumbler test - The rash doesn't fade if you press the side of a clear glass firmly ...Spread to others. People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria. Fortunately, they are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu.Signs and symptoms in people over the age of 2 may include: High fever that comes on suddenly. Stiff neck. Severe headache that seems unusual. Headache with nausea or vomiting. Confusion or ...Jun 15, 2023 · Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent ... Sep 24, 2018 · Causes of meningitis in babies Viral meningitis. Viral meningitis usually isn’t as serious as bacterial or fungal meningitis, but some viruses do cause... Bacterial meningitis. Group B Streptococcus. This usually spreads from a mother to her baby at birth. Gram-negative... Fungal meningitis. Fungal ... Feb 6, 2023 · Meningitis is an infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. While meningitis affects people in all age groups, children 2 and younger are most at risk. Without prompt treatment, infants with meningitis can suffer permanent brain damage or even death. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of this dangerous ... Among adults 60 years of age and older, the more common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus are: Loss of bladder control or a frequent urge to urinate. Memory loss. Progressive loss of other thinking or reasoning skills. Difficulty walking, often described as a shuffling gait or the feeling of the feet being stuck.Aug 17, 2021 · Abstract. Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection remains a leading cause of sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in infants. Rates of GBS early onset disease have declined following the widcespread use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis; hence, late-onset infections (LOGBS) are currently a common presentation of neonatal GBS dicsease. The MenB vaccine will protect your baby against infection by meningococcal group B bacteria. These bacteria are responsible for about 9 in every 10 meningococcal infections in young children. Meningococcal infections can be very serious, causing meningitis and sepsis. This can lead to severe brain damage, amputations and, sometimes, death. In babies and toddlers, these additional symptoms may occur: swelling in the fontanelle; ... People of any age can get meningitis B. Over half of all cases occur in teenagers and young adults.Babies who get group B strep a week or so after birth may have signs such as: Decreased movement of an arm or leg. Pain with movement of an arm or leg. Breathing problems. Fever. Red area on the face or other part of the body. Pregnant women may have group B strep without symptoms. When they have symptoms, these may include: Having to urinate ...Spread to others. People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria. Fortunately, they are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu. The ways a person can get meningitis depend on what has caused it. Causes include bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, amebas, trauma, and medications. Infants can also get bacterial meningitis ...Meningitis signs and symptoms in babies. Your baby might not experience the same meningitis symptoms as adults (like headache, neck stiffness and nausea) and it can be hard to tell even if they are. Some signs of meningitis you can look for in babies include: Bulging “soft spot” (fontanelle) on baby’s head. Poor eating.Protecting newborns Seeing a doctor Meningitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the meninges, which protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is most often caused by a virus or...Babies who get group B strep a week or so after birth may have signs such as: Decreased movement of an arm or leg. Pain with movement of an arm or leg. Breathing problems. Fever. Red area on the face or other part of the body. Pregnant women may have group B strep without symptoms. When they have symptoms, these may include: Having to urinate ...In babies and toddlers, these additional symptoms may occur: swelling in the fontanelle; ... People of any age can get meningitis B. Over half of all cases occur in teenagers and young adults.Spread to others. People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria. Fortunately, they are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu.Jun 15, 2023 · Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent ... Causes Several types of bacteria can cause meningitis. Leading causes in the United States include Streptococcus pneumoniae Group B Streptococcus Neisseria meningitidis Haemophilus influenzae Listeria monocytogenes Escherichia coliMeningococcal bacteria. Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. There are several different groups of meningococcal bacteria including groups A, B, C, Y and W (previously called W135). These groups of bacteria can be further divided into specific strains. Most cases in New Zealand are caused by group B. The MenB vaccine will protect your baby against infection by meningococcal group B bacteria. These bacteria are responsible for about 9 in every 10 meningococcal infections in young children. Meningococcal infections can be very serious, causing meningitis and sepsis. This can lead to severe brain damage, amputations and, sometimes, death. Causes Several types of bacteria can cause meningitis. Leading causes in the United States include Streptococcus pneumoniae Group B Streptococcus Neisseria meningitidis Haemophilus influenzae Listeria monocytogenes Escherichia coliYounger kids will need a vaccine if they're at a greater risk of getting meningitis because they: Have complement component deficiency, a rare immune system disease. Have spleen damage or had ... Apr 27, 2023 · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age. Recommendations for Ages 18 Years or Younger, United States, 2023. Print. Please see the most up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and new or updated recommendations for RSV , Influenza, pneumococcal, polio, and Mpox vaccines. These have been adopted by the CDC Director and are official. Meningitis signs and symptoms in babies. Your baby might not experience the same meningitis symptoms as adults (like headache, neck stiffness and nausea) and it can be hard to tell even if they are. Some signs of meningitis you can look for in babies include: Bulging “soft spot” (fontanelle) on baby’s head. Poor eating.Baby & toddler Your baby’s health What to watch out for Meningitis in babies and children What is meningitis? Symptoms What to do if you think your child has meningitis What causes meningitis? How does a baby or child get meningitis?Abstract. Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection remains a leading cause of sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in infants. Rates of GBS early onset disease have declined following the widcespread use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis; hence, late-onset infections (LOGBS) are currently a common presentation of neonatal GBS dicsease.Viral meningitis (when meningitis is caused by a virus) is the most common type of meningitis. Most people get better on their own without treatment. However, anyone with symptoms of meningitis should see a doctor right away because any type of meningitis can be serious. Only a doctor can determine if someone has meningitis, what is causing it ...Herpes meningoencephalitis is an infection of the brain and brain covering (meninges) caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is a medical emergency that requires treatment right away. Symptoms can include headache, fever, changes in consciousness, confusion, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, seizures, and changes in mood, personality, or ... Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age. Recommendations for Ages 18 Years or Younger, United States, 2023. Print. Please see the most up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and new or updated recommendations for RSV , Influenza, pneumococcal, polio, and Mpox vaccines. These have been adopted by the CDC Director and are official.Meningitis is an inflammation of the thin membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord. It is most often caused by a bacterial or viral infection that moves into the cerebral spinal fluid. A fungus or parasite may also cause meningitis. Meningitis caused by a virus is more common and usually less severe.Bacterial meningitis is a devastating infection associated with high mortality and morbidity in the neonatal population. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to achieving good outcomes in affected infants. While overall incidence and mortality have declined over the last several decades, morbidity associated with neonatal meningitis ...Feb 27, 2018 · Viral meningitis is the most common type, but it’s not usually life-threatening. The enteroviruses that cause meningitis can spread through direct contact with saliva, nasal mucus, or feces ... Having convulsions (seizure) Babies who get group B strep a week or so after birth may have signs such as: Decreased movement of an arm or leg. Pain with movement of an arm or leg. Breathing problems. Fever. Red area on the face or other part of the body. Pregnant women may have group B strep without symptoms. Oct 19, 2021 · sensitivity to light. confusion. seizures, or fits. Although fever is one of the most telling signs of meningitis, it is often absent in babies younger than 3 months old. Babies and toddlers may ... Signs and symptoms of meningitis include: fever. a severe headache. nausea. stiff neck. sensitivity to light. Meningitis often occurs due to pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and so ...Meningitis during the neonatal period is a potentially devastating condition with dire long-term consequences. Despite advances in preventive and critical care medicine, bacterial meningitis continues to have an adverse outcome rate of 20 to 60% among its survivors.[1] Although the incidence and mortality have declined over the past few decades, it remains challenging to diagnose due to ...How meningitis is spread. The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through: sneezing. coughing. kissing. The infection is usually spread by people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat, but are not ill themselves. The infection can also be spread by someone with meningitis, although this is less common.Here we offer helpful, doctor-approved info about fever, coughs, colds, flu, rashes, allergies, and many other health concerns. Explore our guides to doctor visits, vaccines, and medication, get advice on teething and dental care, and learn how to keep your child safe at home and beyond. Photo credit: iStock.com / FatCamera. Dec 22, 2022 · It might surprise you how quickly your baby is picking up new skills. Infant development milestones for a 7- to 9-month-old include sitting, standing and laughing. As your baby becomes more mobile and curious, infant development takes off. It might seem that your baby learns something new every day. Aug 4, 2022 · Some 4% to 6% of babies with GBS disease, including meningitis, will die from their infections. Those who recover may deal with complications like: brain damage; hearing loss; Meningococcal bacteria. Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. There are several different groups of meningococcal bacteria including groups A, B, C, Y and W (previously called W135). These groups of bacteria can be further divided into specific strains. Most cases in New Zealand are caused by group B. Dec 30, 2022 · Specific Immunization Reactions. Pain or swelling at the shot site for 1 to 2 days. (20% of children) Mild fever lasting 1 to 3 days begins 14 to 28 days after the shot (10%). Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever over 102° F (39°C). Never give aspirin for fever, pain or within 6 weeks of getting the shot. In infants, meningitis symptoms may include: High fever. Crying that’s constant and gets louder when you hold the baby. Baby seems overly sleepy, sluggish, or inactive. Stiff neck or body. Bulge ...Viral meningitis (when meningitis is caused by a virus) is the most common type of meningitis. Most people get better on their own without treatment. However, anyone with symptoms of meningitis should see a doctor right away because any type of meningitis can be serious. Only a doctor can determine if someone has meningitis, what is causing it ...The pneumococcal vaccine offers protection against serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including meningitis. Babies are offered the pneumococcal vaccine as 2 separate injections at 12 weeks with a booster given at 1 year of age. A single dose is offered to adults aged 65 or over. Find out more about the pneumococcal vaccine.Pneumococcal disease can cause infections of the ears, lungs, blood, and brain. Pneumococcal disease is an illness caused by bacteria called pneumococcus. It is often mild, but can cause serious symptoms, lifelong disability, or death. Children younger than 2 years old are among those most at risk for the disease.Causes Several types of bacteria can cause meningitis. Leading causes in the United States include Streptococcus pneumoniae Group B Streptococcus Neisseria meningitidis Haemophilus influenzae Listeria monocytogenes Escherichia coliSerogroup B meningococcal vaccines, such as Bexero or Trumenba. All children should be vaccinated at 11 or 12 with one of the conjugate vaccines, with a booster dose at age 16. As for the serogroup B vaccine, teens should definitely get it if. they have a complement deficiency (this is something that is generally diagnosed by the teenage years).Meningitis in children. Meningitis becomes more common in children as they grow older and reach high school and college ages. Symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis in children are similar to ...In infants, meningitis symptoms may include: High fever. Crying that’s constant and gets louder when you hold the baby. Baby seems overly sleepy, sluggish, or inactive. Stiff neck or body. Bulge ... Meningitis signs and symptoms in babies. Your baby might not experience the same meningitis symptoms as adults (like headache, neck stiffness and nausea) and it can be hard to tell even if they are. Some signs of meningitis you can look for in babies include: Bulging “soft spot” (fontanelle) on baby’s head. Poor eating.Meningococcal bacteria. Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. There are several different groups of meningococcal bacteria including groups A, B, C, Y and W (previously called W135). These groups of bacteria can be further divided into specific strains. Most cases in New Zealand are caused by group B. Newborn babies are immune to some diseases because they have antibodies they get from their mothers, usually before they are born. However, this immunity lasts a few months. Most babies do not get protective antibodies against diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, tetanus, hepatitis B, or Hib from their mothers.Apr 27, 2023 · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age. Recommendations for Ages 18 Years or Younger, United States, 2023. Print. Please see the most up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and new or updated recommendations for RSV , Influenza, pneumococcal, polio, and Mpox vaccines. These have been adopted by the CDC Director and are official. Jul 6, 2023 · Meningitis during the neonatal period is a potentially devastating condition with dire long-term consequences. Despite advances in preventive and critical care medicine, bacterial meningitis continues to have an adverse outcome rate of 20 to 60% among its survivors.[1] Although the incidence and mortality have declined over the past few decades, it remains challenging to diagnose due to ... Extreme fatigue. Irritability. Blue color to the skin. Babies with group B strep bacteria could get serious complications like these: Pneumonia -- a lung infection. Meningitis -- inflammation in ...Apr 27, 2023 · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age. Recommendations for Ages 18 Years or Younger, United States, 2023. Print. Please see the most up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and new or updated recommendations for RSV , Influenza, pneumococcal, polio, and Mpox vaccines. These have been adopted by the CDC Director and are official. Almost half of neonatal sepsis survivors return to the hospital at least once after recovery. Some babies develop an infection of the membranes surrounding their brain called meningitis. Newborns who have this condition may develop serious symptoms and side effects, including: Extreme sluggishness (lethargy).Meningitis is when the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord become inflamed and swollen. This usually happens because the membranes, called the meninges, have become infected from bacteria or a virus. The inflammation can then cause damage to the brain or nerves. In infants, illness caused by group B strep can be within six hours of birth (early onset) — or weeks or months after birth (late onset). Signs and symptoms might include: Fever. Low body temperature. Difficulty feeding. Sluggishness, limpness or weak muscle tone. Difficulty breathing. Irritability. Jitteriness.Herpes meningoencephalitis is an infection of the brain and brain covering (meninges) caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is a medical emergency that requires treatment right away. Symptoms can include headache, fever, changes in consciousness, confusion, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, seizures, and changes in mood, personality, or ...Oct 13, 2021 · Herpes meningitis is a type of viral meningitis resulting from infection with a herpes virus. Three types of herpes virus can cause HM: herpes simplex virus 1, herpes simplex virus 2, and ... Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning ( sepsis) and result in permanent damage ... Seizures. Sleepiness or trouble waking. Sensitivity to light. No appetite or thirst. Skin rash in some cases, such as in meningococcal meningitis. Signs in newborns Newborns and infants may show these signs: High fever.An overview of immunizations for kids ages 4 to 6 years old. DTaP – The fifth and final diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine is recommended when your child is between 4 and 6 years old. IPV – The poliovirus vaccine is another four-dose series. The dosing schedule for the polio vaccine recommends the first shots at 2 months, 4 months ...Sep 27, 2022 · Protects your child from Hib disease, which can cause lifelong disability and be deadly. Protects your child from the most common type of Hib disease, meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Keeps your child from missing school or child care, and you from missing work. How meningitis is spread. The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through: sneezing. coughing. kissing. The infection is usually spread by people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat, but are not ill themselves. The infection can also be spread by someone with meningitis, although this is less common.Here we offer helpful, doctor-approved info about fever, coughs, colds, flu, rashes, allergies, and many other health concerns. Explore our guides to doctor visits, vaccines, and medication, get advice on teething and dental care, and learn how to keep your child safe at home and beyond. Photo credit: iStock.com / FatCamera.Meningitis in children. Meningitis becomes more common in children as they grow older and reach high school and college ages. Symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis in children are similar to ...
Seizures. Sleepiness or trouble waking. Sensitivity to light. No appetite or thirst. Skin rash in some cases, such as in meningococcal meningitis. Signs in newborns Newborns and infants may show these signs: High fever.. Pearlie mae
Enterovirus encephalitis (EVE) can present as meningoencephalitis (where it results in both inflammation of the brain and its lining), an illness similar to herpes simplex encephalitis, or a severe brainstem encephalitis. Symptoms can include lethargy, somnolence, altered consciousness, personality change, hallucinations, stiff neck, ataxia ...The MenB vaccine will protect your baby against infection by meningococcal group B bacteria. These bacteria are responsible for about 9 in every 10 meningococcal infections in young children. Meningococcal infections can be very serious, causing meningitis and sepsis. This can lead to severe brain damage, amputations and, sometimes, death.Sep 2, 2022 · Meningitis is a serious illness that causes inflammation of the membranes around the spinal cord and neck. It can be fatal without prompt treatment. The meningitis vaccine is one of the best ways ... Babies who get group B strep a week or so after birth may have signs such as: Decreased movement of an arm or leg. Pain with movement of an arm or leg. Breathing problems. Fever. Red area on the face or other part of the body. Pregnant women may have group B strep without symptoms. When they have symptoms, these may include: Having to urinate ... Babies are at high risk of bacterial meningitis and often have symptoms that mimic other illnesses. Parents should be on the lookout for meningitis symptoms such as high fever, stiff neck, rigid extremities, vomiting, diarrhea, or a skin rash with lots of pinpoint-sized dots ( petechiae ) that are associated with invasive meningococcal disease .Meningitis is when the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord become inflamed and swollen. This usually happens because the membranes, called the meninges, have become infected from bacteria or a virus. The inflammation can then cause damage to the brain or nerves. Neonatal meningitis is a serious medical condition in infants that is rapidly fatal if untreated. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges , the protective membranes of the central nervous system , is more common in the neonatal period (infants less than 44 days old) than any other time in life, and is an important cause of morbidity and ... In infants, illness caused by group B strep can be within six hours of birth (early onset) — or weeks or months after birth (late onset). Signs and symptoms might include: Fever. Low body temperature. Difficulty feeding. Sluggishness, limpness or weak muscle tone. Difficulty breathing. Irritability. Jitteriness.Jan 27, 2023 · Bacterial meningitis. Acute bacterial meningitis must be treated right away with intravenous antibiotics and sometimes corticosteroids. This helps to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications, such as brain swelling and seizures. The antibiotic or combination of antibiotics depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Newborn babies are immune to some diseases because they have antibodies they get from their mothers, usually before they are born. However, this immunity lasts a few months. Most babies do not get protective antibodies against diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, tetanus, hepatitis B, or Hib from their mothers.The most common symptoms of meningitis in older children and adults are: fever. sensitivity to light. very bad headache and stiff or sore neck. nausea or vomiting and loss of appetite. tiredness and drowsiness. irritability. confusion. purple-red skin rash or bruising.Babies who get group B strep a week or so after birth may have signs such as: Decreased movement of an arm or leg. Pain with movement of an arm or leg. Breathing problems. Fever. Red area on the face or other part of the body. Pregnant women may have group B strep without symptoms. When they have symptoms, these may include: Having to urinate ... Protecting newborns Seeing a doctor Meningitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the meninges, which protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is most often caused by a virus or...Babies are at high risk of bacterial meningitis and often have symptoms that mimic other illnesses. Parents should be on the lookout for meningitis symptoms such as high fever, stiff neck, rigid extremities, vomiting, diarrhea, or a skin rash with lots of pinpoint-sized dots ( petechiae ) that are associated with invasive meningococcal disease .Pregnant women who are at increased risk for serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease may get MenACWY vaccines. Pregnant or breastfeeding women who are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease may get MenB vaccines. However, they should talk with a doctor to decide if the benefits of getting the vaccine outweigh the risks ... An overview of immunizations for kids ages 4 to 6 years old. DTaP – The fifth and final diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine is recommended when your child is between 4 and 6 years old. IPV – The poliovirus vaccine is another four-dose series. The dosing schedule for the polio vaccine recommends the first shots at 2 months, 4 months ...The MenB vaccine will protect your baby against infection by meningococcal group B bacteria. These bacteria are responsible for about 9 in every 10 meningococcal infections in young children. Meningococcal infections can be very serious, causing meningitis and sepsis. This can lead to severe brain damage, amputations and, sometimes, death. Children can develop meningitis from close contact with a person who has the infection or through surfaces and inanimate objects infected with the germ that causes meningitis. A simple cold or...Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis include: a high temperature. cold hands and feet. vomiting. confusion. breathing quickly. muscle and joint pain. pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)Meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the membranes (meninges) around the brain or spinal cord. Inflammation can begin suddenly (acute) or develop gradually (subacute). Major symptoms may include fever, headache, and a stiff neck, sometimes with aching muscles. Nausea, vomiting and other symptoms may occur. View Full Report.Meningococcal meningitis and bloodstream infections can be very serious, even deadly. The infections progress quickly. Someone can go from being healthy to very ill in 48 hours or less. Even if they get treatment, about 10 to 15 in 100 people with meningococcal disease will die from it..