--- title: 7 Meningitis Symptoms in Children Parents Should Know description: Learn 7 meningitis symptoms in children that parents should know, including warning signs beyond a rash and when to seek urgent medical help. image: https://www.suresign.com/hubfs/woman-caring-for-a-sick-child-in-bed-2026-03-27-21-45-01-utc.jpg --- [02825 685385](tel:02825%20685385) [02825 685385](tel:#02825%20685385) [![SureSign Logo](https://www.suresign.com/hubfs/SureSign%20Logo.svg "SureSign Logo")](https://www.suresign.com/) [![SureSign logo 2](https://www.suresign.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SureSign%20logo%202.png?width=200&height=58&name=SureSign%20logo%202.png "SureSign logo 2")](https://www.suresign.com/) - [Home](https://www.suresign.com) - [Fertility](https://www.suresign.com/fertility) - [6 Day Early](https://www.suresign.com/6dayearly) - [Menopause](https://www.suresign.com/menopause) - [Pregnancy](https://www.suresign.com/pregnancy) - [Pregnancy Test Strips](https://www.suresign.com/pregnancy-test-strips) - [Pregnancy Test Three Strips](https://www.suresign.com/three-pregnancy-test-strips) - [Ovulation](https://www.suresign.com/ovulation) - [Monitoring](https://www.suresign.com/monitoring) - [Blood Pressure](https://www.suresign.com/bloodpressure) - [Iron Deficiency](https://www.suresign.com/iron-deficiency) - [Diabetes](https://www.suresign.com/diabetes-screening-urine-glucose-test) - [Vitamin D](https://www.suresign.com/vitamind) - [Temperature](https://www.suresign.com/temperature) - [Non-Touch Forehead Thermometer](https://www.suresign.com/non-touch-forehead-thermometer) - [Digital Thermometer](https://www.suresign.com/digitalthermometer) - [Self-Tests](https://www.suresign.com/self-tests) - [Meningitis](https://www.suresign.com/meningitis) - [Urinary Tract Infection](https://www.suresign.com/urinary-tract-infection) - [Health Check Up](https://www.suresign.com/health-check-up-urinary-test) - [Vaginal Infection Test](https://www.suresign.com/vaginal-infection-test) - [Employee Health Check Kit](https://www.suresign.com/employee-health-check-kit) - Resources - [Blogs](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog) - [Brochures](https://www.suresign.com/brochures) - [Warranty](https://www.suresign.com/warranty) - [Blood Pressure Log Sheet](https://www.suresign.com/blood-pressure-log-sheet) More results [![Contact Us](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/143521365/interactive-248008284394.png)](https://www.suresign.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJuLRe3567vSDv8DyBlIP5OUuVrip7osd4UapSS%2FK9uLHnU1pMAVIRdAEn3%2FFe7pCOiAaiXS%2BcVT9EOoIf2LJ7XK6NRQ9XSkLxXyN4TXXErcYpd9Puaol2dkhkFtS5%2B8dw05%2FPM7%2BQWmNvMRJXeAB4xYu7i8Shfyd6KhMZajJYXT0RxRDWgVQPIX9PbqrbyfW5wsu9a%2FOZj9Q%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=248008284394&portalId=143521365) [![Contact Us](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/143521365/interactive-248008284394.png)](https://www.suresign.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJuLRe3567vSDv8DyBlIP5OUuVrip7osd4UapSS%2FK9uLHnU1pMAVIRdAEn3%2FFe7pCOiAaiXS%2BcVT9EOoIf2LJ7XK6NRQ9XSkLxXyN4TXXErcYpd9Puaol2dkhkFtS5%2B8dw05%2FPM7%2BQWmNvMRJXeAB4xYu7i8Shfyd6KhMZajJYXT0RxRDWgVQPIX9PbqrbyfW5wsu9a%2FOZj9Q%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=248008284394&portalId=143521365) [![Contact Us](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/143521365/interactive-248008284394.png)](https://www.suresign.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJuLRe3567vSDv8DyBlIP5OUuVrip7osd4UapSS%2FK9uLHnU1pMAVIRdAEn3%2FFe7pCOiAaiXS%2BcVT9EOoIf2LJ7XK6NRQ9XSkLxXyN4TXXErcYpd9Puaol2dkhkFtS5%2B8dw05%2FPM7%2BQWmNvMRJXeAB4xYu7i8Shfyd6KhMZajJYXT0RxRDWgVQPIX9PbqrbyfW5wsu9a%2FOZj9Q%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=248008284394&portalId=143521365) - [Home](https://www.suresign.com) - [Fertility](https://www.suresign.com/fertility) - [6 Day Early](https://www.suresign.com/6dayearly) - [Menopause](https://www.suresign.com/menopause) - [Pregnancy](https://www.suresign.com/pregnancy) - [Pregnancy Test Strips](https://www.suresign.com/pregnancy-test-strips) - [Pregnancy Test Three Strips](https://www.suresign.com/three-pregnancy-test-strips) - [Ovulation](https://www.suresign.com/ovulation) - [Monitoring](https://www.suresign.com/monitoring) - [Blood Pressure](https://www.suresign.com/bloodpressure) - [Iron Deficiency](https://www.suresign.com/iron-deficiency) - [Diabetes](https://www.suresign.com/diabetes-screening-urine-glucose-test) - [Vitamin D](https://www.suresign.com/vitamind) - [Temperature](https://www.suresign.com/temperature) - [Non-Touch Forehead Thermometer](https://www.suresign.com/non-touch-forehead-thermometer) - [Digital Thermometer](https://www.suresign.com/digitalthermometer) - [Self-Tests](https://www.suresign.com/self-tests) - [Meningitis](https://www.suresign.com/meningitis) - [Urinary Tract Infection](https://www.suresign.com/urinary-tract-infection) - [Health Check Up](https://www.suresign.com/health-check-up-urinary-test) - [Vaginal Infection Test](https://www.suresign.com/vaginal-infection-test) - [Employee Health Check Kit](https://www.suresign.com/employee-health-check-kit) - Resources - [Blogs](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog) - [Brochures](https://www.suresign.com/brochures) - [Warranty](https://www.suresign.com/warranty) - [Blood Pressure Log Sheet](https://www.suresign.com/blood-pressure-log-sheet) [![Contact Us](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/143521365/interactive-248008284394.png)](https://www.suresign.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJuLRe3567vSDv8DyBlIP5OUuVrip7osd4UapSS%2FK9uLHnU1pMAVIRdAEn3%2FFe7pCOiAaiXS%2BcVT9EOoIf2LJ7XK6NRQ9XSkLxXyN4TXXErcYpd9Puaol2dkhkFtS5%2B8dw05%2FPM7%2BQWmNvMRJXeAB4xYu7i8Shfyd6KhMZajJYXT0RxRDWgVQPIX9PbqrbyfW5wsu9a%2FOZj9Q%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=248008284394&portalId=143521365) [self-testing kits](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/self-testing-kits) # 7 Meningitis Warning Signs Parents Should Know: Why a Rash Is Only One of Them by [Suresign](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/author/suresign) 3 min read Nov 12, 2026, 11:00:04 AM When a child becomes suddenly unwell, many parents instinctively look for the telltale rash associated with meningitis, and breathe a ragged sigh of relief when it is absent. However, while the rash is an important warning sign of meningitis, it is not always present, and waiting for one to appear can lose valuable time. Knowing the [meningitis symptoms in children](https://www.suresign.com/meningitis) can help parents recognise when a child needs urgent medical attention, even if a rash is not present.  [![Contact Us](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/143521365/interactive-248008284394.png)](https://www.suresign.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJuLRe3567vSDv8DyBlIP5OUuVrip7osd4UapSS%2FK9uLHnU1pMAVIRdAEn3%2FFe7pCOiAaiXS%2BcVT9EOoIf2LJ7XK6NRQ9XSkLxXyN4TXXErcYpd9Puaol2dkhkFtS5%2B8dw05%2FPM7%2BQWmNvMRJXeAB4xYu7i8Shfyd6KhMZajJYXT0RxRDWgVQPIX9PbqrbyfW5wsu9a%2FOZj9Q%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=248008284394&portalId=143521365) [Meningitis](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/) is a serious infection of the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord – causing rapid swelling around the brain, and also sometimes causing bacteria to enter the bloodstream, where it can cause sepsis, damage blood vessels, and disrupt circulation to vital organs. Babies and young children are among the groups most at risk of meningitis, and the disease can be hard to diagnose because its early [symptoms](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/self-tests-part-first-aid-kit) resemble common childhood infections, and a young child may be unable to describe a severe headache, stiff neck or sensitivity to light. ## **Why waiting for a rash can be dangerous** Early symptoms of meningitis can resemble flu, a bad cold, or a stomach bug. What may stand out is that a child seems far more unwell than expected, deteriorates quickly or responds differently from usual. Keep checking them. These seven signs are not a diagnostic checklist for meningitis; but are reasons to consider the whole picture and seek urgent help when something feels seriously wrong with your child. ## **Seven meningitis symptoms in children:** ### **1. Fever or an unusually low temperature** A high temperature is common, but babies and young children may instead feel cold, shiver or have a lower than usual temperature. Cold hands and feet can occur alongside fever, so look at how your child is behaving as well as their thermometer reading. ### **2. A severe or worsening headache** An older child may describe an intense headache that continues to worsen. Younger children may not be able to explain the pain, so distress or holding their head may be the only indications. A severe headache with other unusual symptoms needs urgent assessment. ### **3. A stiff neck or discomfort in bright light** Neck stiffness and eye pain or discomfort when looking at bright light are recognised [meningitis symptoms in children](https://www.suresign.com/meningitis), but can also be symptomatic of flu, so take special note if this symptom occurs alongside others in this list. A child may avoid turning their head, resist being moved or want the room kept dark. Do not try to test neck movement forcefully. ### **4. Vomiting, diarrhoea or severe body pain** Vomiting and diarrhoea are fairly common in young children when afflicted by a stomach bug or high temperature – but can also be an early symptom of meningitis. With meningitis or sepsis, these symptoms may occur alongside marked muscle, joint or stomach pain. The combination, speed of deterioration and how ill the child appears matter more than one symptom alone. ### **5. Confusion, irritability or unusual behaviour** A child developing meningitis may seem confused, agitated or unlike themselves. They might not recognise you, make sense or respond normally. In babies, persistent irritability or a weak, high-pitched or continuous cry can be especially concerning. ### **6. Drowsiness, floppiness or difficulty waking** Being tired during an illness is common; being *unusually* sleepy, difficult to wake, ‘floppy’ or unresponsive is different. Babies with meningitis may also refuse feeds or develop a bulging soft spot on the head. Be guided by how your child usually is when they are poorly and note anything that feels worse or different. Whether or not your child has meningitis, these symptoms are often the signs of a serious underlying condition, and we recommend calling 111 as soon as possible. ### **7. A rash that does not fade under pressure** The characteristic rash commonly associated with meningitis is more specifically a sign of *meningococcal sepsis*, which can develop alongside the infection. As bacteria multiply in the bloodstream, they can damage small blood vessels and cause blood to leak into the tissue beneath the skin. The resulting marks may begin as tiny red pinpricks before spreading or developing into red, purple or bruise-like patches. To carry out the meningitis glass test, press the side of a clear drinking glass firmly against the rash. If the marks remain visible through the glass rather than fading under pressure, call 999 immediately. On brown or black skin, the rash can be harder to see, so also check paler areas including the palms, soles, roof of the mouth and inside the eyelids. A rash may initially fade before becoming non-fading, and some children never develop one. Keep checking a child who is becoming more unwell, but never allow the absence of a rash (or a rash that currently fades) to delay urgent medical help. ## **Meningitis Emergency Pack from Suresign** The reusable [Suresign Meningitis Emergency Pack](https://www.suresign.com/meningitis) includes a two-times magnification rash test bar and a full symptom chart. It can help families keep [warning-sign](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/self-testing-kits-private-health-answers) information accessible and examine a visible rash, but it cannot diagnose or rule out meningitis. Use it as an awareness aid, and seek emergency medical help whenever you are seriously concerned. [![Find Stockist Near Me](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/143521365/interactive-238604891360.png)](https://www.suresign.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJ1yOHBTPQkk%2BauhTgitItm0Rf9gheN8IdYmkWCdGu2jrxwnG0efPdE0lR67Pn5cq4M7p5wrrFuDnTpL17hc5XGZqMRTc1abkAsFZMUPfWgsVr%2Bj4V98HGQ6Sce6jfrUg%2FYjE9vGTNMAptunCVln%2Fdrsun3sOS7%2FkvC9zuiQJXsnJm4oRIijfFQYKnFg7BxDjzuL0ER162sEdHf0budjQ%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=238604891360&portalId=143521365) Image Source: [Envato](https://app.envato.com/photos/3648745d-bfad-4db7-a01d-88f074d32eea) Topics: [self-testing kits](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/self-testing-kits) [youtube icon](https://www.youtube.com/user/CIGAHealthcare) [instagram icon](https://www.instagram.com/suresignselftests/) ### Posts by topics - [self-testing kits (38)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/self-testing-kits) - [Home Testing Kits (35)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/home-testing-kits) - [Pregnancy tests (21)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/pregnancy-tests) - [Uti home test kits (15)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/uti-home-test-kits) - [Home Blood Pressure & Pulse Monitor (10)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/home-blood-pressure-pulse-monitor) - [Pregnancy (9)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/pregnancy) - [Blood Pressure Monitors (8)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/blood-pressure-monitors) - [Vitamin D Testing Kits (8)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/vitamin-d-testing-kits) - [Iron deficiency test (6)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/iron-deficiency-test) - [6-day Early pregnancy tests (4)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/6-day-early-pregnancy-tests) - [Blood Test Kit (4)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/blood-test-kit) - [Diabetes journey (4)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/diabetes-journey) - [Urine Test Kit (4)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/urine-test-kit) - [Covid-19 (2)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/covid-19) - [Pharmacy (2)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/pharmacy) - [Repeat UTIs (2)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/repeat-utis) - [Uncategorised (2)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/uncategorised) - [Business Awards (1)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/business-awards) - [Frogs as pregnancy tests (1)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/frogs-as-pregnancy-tests) - [Gestational Diabetes (1)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/gestational-diabetes) - [Home Ovulation Tests (1)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/home-ovulation-tests) - [Managing Chronic Conditions (1)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/managing-chronic-conditions) - [Twin Pregnancy (1)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/twin-pregnancy) - [Vitamin D (1)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/vitamin-d) - [false positive (1)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/false-positive) - [suresign (1)](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/tag/suresign) see all ### Recent Posts [7 Meningitis Warning Signs Parents Should Know: Why a Rash Is Only One of Them](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/meningitis-symptoms-in-children-warning-signs) [The Rise Of The Health-Conscious Consumer: What It Means For Pharmacy Health Products & Services](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/pharmacy-health-products-benefit-health-conscious-consumer) [Seven-Minute Cholesterol Checks Are Coming to High-Street Pharmacies: What the New NHS Service Will Do](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/blood-pressure-monitoring-at-home-nhs) [National Fertility Awareness Week 2026: Why Fertility Needs a More Open Conversation](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/self-testing-kits-fertility-awareness) ### Subscribe to our blog This is a search field with an autosuggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. [![Home-testing-Kits-4-300x168](https://www.suresign.com/hubfs/Images/Home-testing-Kits-4-300x168.webp)](https://www.suresign.com/contact) Share this [Share on X](https://x.com/intent/post?url=https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/meningitis-symptoms-in-children-warning-signs&text=7%20Meningitis%20Symptoms%20in%20Children%20Parents%20Should%20Know) [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/meningitis-symptoms-in-children-warning-signs&t=7%20Meningitis%20Symptoms%20in%20Children%20Parents%20Should%20Know) [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/meningitis-symptoms-in-children-warning-signs&t=7%20Meningitis%20Symptoms%20in%20Children%20Parents%20Should%20Know) Previous story [← The Rise Of The Health-Conscious Consumer: What It Means For Pharmacy Health Products & Services](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/pharmacy-health-products-benefit-health-conscious-consumer) ### Get Email Notifications ### No Comments Yet Let us know what you think [![SureSign logo 2](https://www.suresign.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SureSign%20logo%202.png?width=260&height=75&name=SureSign%20logo%202.png "SureSign logo 2")](https://www.suresign.com/) CIGA Healthcare Ltd Kildowney House, Pennybridge Industrial Estate, Ballymena, BT42 3HB, UK VAT No: GB851531441     Company Reg No: NI053440  Product Categories - [Fertility](https://www.suresign.com/fertility) - [Monitoring](https://www.suresign.com/monitoring) - [Temperature](https://www.suresign.com/temperature) - [Self-Tests](https://www.suresign.com/self-tests) Resources - [Blogs](https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog) - [Brochures](https://www.suresign.com/brochures) - [Contact Us](https://www.suresign.com/contact) Other - [Become a Stockist](https://www.suresign.com/become-a-stockist) - [Product Feedback](https://www.suresign.com/) - [Pregnancy Calculator](https://www.suresign.com/suresign-pregnancy-calculator) Copyright © 2026 Suresign. Designed and Developed by [JDR Group](http://www.jdrgroup.co.uk) - [Terms](https://www.suresign.com/terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy](https://www.suresign.com/privacy-policy-suresign) - [Cookies](https://blog.suresign.com/cookie-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Suresign", "url" : "https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/author/suresign" }, "dateModified" : "2026-11-12T11:00:04.408Z", "datePublished" : "2026-11-12T11:00:04.000Z", "headline" : "7 Meningitis Symptoms in Children Parents Should Know", "image" : [ "https://www.suresign.com/hubfs/woman-caring-for-a-sick-child-in-bed-2026-03-27-21-45-01-utc.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/meningitis-symptoms-in-children-warning-signs", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.suresign.com/hubfs/SureSign%20logo.png" }, "name" : "Ciga Healthcare" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.suresign.com/#medicalbusiness", "@type" : "MedicalBusiness", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "GB", "addressLocality" : "Ballymena", "postalCode" : "BT42 3HB", "streetAddress" : "Kildowney House, Pennybridge Industrial Estate" }, "alternateName" : "CIGA Healthcare Ltd", "geo" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : 54.851032, "longitude" : -6.258752 }, "image" : "https://www.suresign.com/hs-fs/hubfs/hero-products-f01-768x471-1.webp", "logo" : "https://www.suresign.com/hubfs/SureSign%20Logo.svg", "name" : "CIGA Healthcare Ltd", "openingHoursSpecification" : { "@type" : "OpeningHoursSpecification", "closes" : "17:00", "dayOfWeek" : [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday" ], "opens" : "08:00" }, "priceRange" : "£", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/ciga-healthcare-ltd", "https://www.instagram.com/suresignhealth/" ], "telephone" : "028 9694 3922", "url" : "https://www.suresign.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "Learn 7 meningitis symptoms in children that parents should know, including warning signs beyond a rash and when to seek urgent medical help.", "inLanguage" : "en-GB", "name" : "7 Meningitis Symptoms in Children Parents Should Know", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.suresign.com/hubfs/SureSign%20Logo.svg" }, "name" : "CIGA Healthcare Ltd", "url" : "https://www.suresign.com/" }, "url" : "https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/meningitis-symptoms-in-children-warning-signs" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.suresign.com/", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.suresign.com/ciga-healthcare-blog/meningitis-symptoms-in-children-warning-signs", "name" : "7 Meningitis Warning Signs Parents Should Know: Why a Rash Is Only One of Them", "position" : 2 } ] } ```