Fever is a common symptom of meningitis in babies and infants - Your baby may also have cold hands and feet.

If your baby is refusing feeds (and this is unusual) and/or vomiting, check for any of the other symptoms of meningitis.

If your baby has a high pitched moaning cry, or is continuously whimpering, check for any of the other symptoms of meningitis.

A fretful and irritable baby who does not like being handled could be showing symptoms of meningitis.

A baby who is drawing their neck back and arching their back, and/or has a bulging fontanel (the soft spot on the top of your baby’s head), is showing strong signs of meningitis.

If your baby is showing a blank and staring expression and not responding to you as he/she normally does, this could be a symptom of meningitis.

If it is difficult to wake your baby or he/she is drowsy, floppy and unresponsive to you, these could be symptoms of meningitis.

Pale, blotchy skin, with spots or a rash can be a symptom of meningitis. You can test if a rash is caused by meningococcal bacteria by pressing a glass against it. Don’t wait for a rash to appear as not everyone gets a rash.