Meningitis and Sepsis

Meningitis and Sepsis

Although these are not common illnesses, they are the most serious illnesses that happen more commonly. Meningitis is when the protective layer around the brain and spinal cord gets inflamed. Sepsis is an abnormal full-body inflammatory response to an infection. Both are medical emergencies but their signs are not always obvious (especially in young babies). One illness, meningococcal causes both meningitis and sepsis.

There is no at-home management for meningitis or sepsis. Always call for an ambulance if you think your child has meningitis or sepsis

Signs of meningitis

• very high or low temperature
• unwell and inconsolable
• not wanting to be handled (babies)
• complaining of headache, stiff neck, not wanting to look at lights (children)
• not wanting to walk
• refusing to feed
• vomiting
• floppy, hard to wake, unresponsive

Signs of sepsis

• very high or low temperature
• non-blanching rash (rash that does not go away with when pressed)
• fast breathing or shortness of breath
• refusing to feed
• floppy, hard to wake, unresponsive
• pale, cold and clammy skin