The sudden onset of a high fever, headache and a stiff neck are common symptoms of meningitis. Those symptoms are often accompanied by nausea or vomiting. With both meningitis and septicemia a purplish rash may develop. The development of a rash is a key indicator of blood poisoning, and it is vital that anyone showing this symptom go to a hospital emergency room as soon as possible. People with septicemia may only have a fever, malaise and the rash.
Early detection is the key to preventing serious illness or death.
A number of antibiotics are effective in treating meningococcal meningitis, but the treatment must be started early in the course of the disease. That is why it s critical for people showing symptoms to seek medical treatment immediately. There are antibiotics that can be given if someone has been exposed to the bacteria. If there is evidence of the disease spreading with a group, such as a family, school friends, etc., preventive antibiotics may be prescribed. Consulting with your personal physician is important to determine whether or not you need treatment.