Students in Swansea are asked to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis, as the infection can have very serious consequences. Headache, fever, vomiting, a stiff neck, drowsiness, dislike of bright lights, sometimes along with a rash that doesn’t disappear when pressed with a glass, can all be indicators of meningococcal bacterial infection, which can lead to serious infections such as sepsis.
It is sensible to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease which are outlined below.
Meningitis
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Dislike of bright light
- Confusion / delirium
- Extreme sleepiness / difficulty waking
Septicaemia
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Bruising / rash
- Rapid breathing
- Joint / muscle pain
- Confusion / delirium
- Extreme sleepiness / difficulty waking
One or more of these symptoms may develop and they can appear in any order.
Meningococcal disease can be hard to identify at first because it can be like a bad case of flu. Yet, anyone with IMD may become seriously ill within a few hours.
You should contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice if you have any concerns about your own or a friend’s health. If symptoms are getting worse, seek urgent medical help at the closest A&E Department or by dialling 999.
Prompt treatment can be lifesaving. You can find information about meningitis/ septicaemia at:
NHS Direct Wales– 0845 46 47 (24 hours)
Meningitis Now– 0808 80 10 388 (24 hours)