If a child has a fever and a stiff neck, seek immediate assessment at Children’s Emergency. These symptoms can occur with meningitis. Call 995 if the child is difficult to wake, unresponsive, having a seizure, struggling to breathe or deteriorating rapidly. CDA meningococcal disease guidance · NHS inform meningitis guidance · SCDF emergency medical services
Do not wait for a rash. Symptoms can appear in different orders, and a rash may be absent. Tell the team about severe headache, light sensitivity, unusual drowsiness or vomiting. CDA meningococcal disease guidance · NHS inform meningitis guidance
- Fever with a stiff neck → seek immediate emergency assessment.
- Trouble waking, seizure or severe breathing difficulty → call 995.
- Give staff the symptom timeline, including any change in alertness.
On this page · Watch for Changes in Younger Children · What to Tell Staff · Frequently Asked Questions
Watch for Changes in Younger Children
A baby may be too young to show or describe neck stiffness. Tell staff about unusual sleepiness, poor feeding, a change in cry or a bulging soft spot. A baby under three months with a temperature of 38°C or higher needs immediate assessment. NHS inform meningitis guidance · HealthHub fever in children
What to Tell Staff
Give the temperature and when it was measured, when the neck symptoms began, and whether the child is behaving normally. Report any rash you see, without delaying care to look for one. Avoid forcing the child to bend their neck to test it. CDA meningococcal disease guidance · NHS inform meningitis guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can meningitis occur without a rash?
Yes. Get help based on the child’s symptoms and condition. NHS inform meningitis guidance
What if they are hard to wake?
Call 995 and describe their breathing and responsiveness. SCDF emergency medical services · NHS inform meningitis guidance