Meningitis

This is one of the biggest fears of parents, mainly due to the huge amounts of publicity that small outbreaks generate. Meningitis is an infection in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by a mix of bacteria and viruses. Symptoms are sometimes hard to notice, or more to the point, symptoms are too similar to other illnesses and an initial assumption can sometimes be incorrect. The symptoms to look out for are:

- your child having a high fever
- your child complaining of a very severe headache
- a very stiff neck
- unusual drowsiness
- a constant feeling of sickness
- vomiting
- a purple rash.

If you suspect meningitis call your doctor or dial 999 immediately.

You should learn how to perform the glass test as well - this is an important test for meningitis:


Glass Test

Take a normal clean clear glass and place it on the skin at the point of the rash. Roll the glass over the rash/ spots with a fair amount of pressure. When you roll the glass over the skin, the skin should go white as the pressure on the glass is applied. However in the case of meningitis the skin does not go white. If this happens contact your doctor or dial 999 immediately.