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Symptoms of bacterial meningitis usually appear suddenly. Symptoms of viral meningitis may appear suddenly or develop gradually over a period of days. For example,
the symptoms of viral meningitis after mumps may take several days or weeks to develop.
- Fever
- Severe and persistent headache
- Stiff and painful neck, especially when trying to touch the chin to the chest.
- Vomiting
- Confusion and decreased level of consciousness
- Seizures
- Sluggishness, muscle aches and weakness, and strange feelings (such as tingling) or weakness throughout the body
- Eye sensitivity and eye pain from bright lights.
- Skin rash
- Dizzy spells
Babies, young children, older adults, and people with other medical conditions may not have the usual symptoms of meningitis.
- In babies, the signs of meningitis may be a fever, irritability that is difficult to calm, decreased appetite, rash, vomiting, and a shrill cry. Babies also may have
bulging soft spots on their heads that are not caused by crying, and a stiff body. Babies with meningitis may cry when handled.
- Young children with meningitis may act like they have the flu (influenza), cough, or have trouble breathing
- Older adults and people with other medical conditions may have only a slight headache and fever. They may not feel well and may have little energy
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