Occasionally outbreaks of meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis , also known as meningococcal meningitis, occur in group living situations, such as day-care centers, college dormitories, or military barracks. In general, however, scientists do not know why microorganisms that are usually harmless are able to cross into the CSF and cause meningitis in some people but not others. No matter what the cause, the symptoms of meningitis are always similar and usually develop rapidly, often over the course of a few hours. Nearly all patients with meningitis experience vomiting, high fever, and a stiff neck. Meningitis may also cause severe headache , back pain, muscle aches, sensitivity of the eyes to light, drowsiness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness.
Some children have convulsions.
In infants, the symptoms of meningitis are often more difficult to detect and may include irritability, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Most patients with meningococcal meningitis develop a rash of red, pinprick spots on the skin. The spots do not turn white when pressed, and they quickly grow to look like purple bruises. The fluid is then tested for the presence of bacteria and other cells, as well as certain chemical changes that are characteristic of meningitis. It is imperative to seek immediate medical attention if the symptoms of meningitis develop in order to determine whether the meningitis is viral or bacterial.