Clinical mainifestations arise from the meningeal inflammation. These occurences are due to irritation and damage to the cranial nerve. Neck stiffness, pain with nuchal rigidity, and possibly head retraction reflect the irritabillity of the spinal accessory cervical spinal nerves. The vomitting center can become irritated, causing projectile vomitting. Confusion and decreasing responsiveness are evidence of the cortical involvement.
Fever is also often present.
Scalded skin syndrome is most often seen in infants and the elderly. It can be a life threatening infection, but fortunately it is extremely rare. The exfoliative toxin of S. aureus causes the entire outer layer of skin from the infected area to peel away. Other clinical symptoms include fever, malaise, rhinorrhea and irritability. Blisters may form and the pain is severe.