l Bacterial meningitis is potentially fatal, and symptoms can develop rapidly.

l The earliest signs are usually fever, vomiting, a headache and drowsiness, although symptoms can occur in any order.

l Sufferers may also develop limb pain, pale skin, cold hands, stiff neck, confusion, aversion to bright lights and, in some cases, a distinctive pin prick rash that does not disappear when a glass is pressed against the skin.