Doctors are warning parents not to overlook the early signs of meningitis, after a fit and healthy teenage boy died just days after falling ill with the infection.

William Hand, 14, from South Carolina, tragically passed away earlier this month after contracting meningococcal disease—a fast-moving form of meningitis that can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis.

The athletic teen had woken in the early hours feeling unwell, but his condition rapidly worsened. 

Within hours, the bacteria had overwhelmed his immune system.

His father, also named William, shared a heartbreaking tribute online, posting a photo of his son in sports gear with the caption: ‘This is how I will always choose to remember Will. 

‘Flowing hair, big smile and in sports attire. I will see you again, son.’

Experts say the case is a stark reminder of how quickly meningitis can strike—and why it’s vital not to dismiss a fever, headache, vomiting or sensitivity to light. 

Early treatment with antibiotics is crucial, but symptoms are often mistaken for flu or a stomach bug until it’s too late. Here, MailOnline outlines the symptoms everyone should know…

Early flu-like symptoms  

In England alone, there were 396 confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), including 33 deaths, in 2022, the most recent year there are full records for.

This number represents a near doubling compared to the 205 cases reported the previous year, which was during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Pre-pandemic, in 2018-2019, there were 525 cases. 

These figures reveal that the highest number of cases of IMD were found among 15 to 19-year-olds and 45 to 65-year-olds. 

Like flu, a high fever may be the first sign—usually sudden and severe—accompanied by shivering, chills and extreme fatigue. 

Children and adults alike may complain of muscle aches, general malaise and feeling ‘off’.

In babies, the symptoms can be more vague. They may refuse feeds, become unusually irritable or lethargic, or have a weak, high-pitched cry. 

Parents may notice their child is difficult to wake or not responding as usual. These early signs are easy to dismiss—but in cases of meningitis or sepsis, time is everything.

Classic signs of meningitis 

One of the hallmarks of bacterial meningitis is an intense headache, often described as worse than any previous headache. 

This is typically accompanied by stiffness in the neck—with the person unable to bend their head forward without pain. 

Bright light may become unbearable, and nausea or vomiting often follow.

As inflammation around the brain and spinal cord worsens, people can become confused or drowsy. 

Speech may become slurred, and seizures are not uncommon.

In babies, the soft spot on the top of the head—known as the fontanelle—may bulge, and they may appear stiff or, in contrast, unusually floppy.

Gut symptoms that can be misleading

Both flu and meningitis can also affect the stomach and digestive system, which may add to the confusion. 

Many patients experience nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain—symptoms that can easily be mistaken for a tummy bug. 

But if these signs occur alongside a fever or any of the above neurological or circulatory changes, they should raise immediate red flags.

In some cases, especially among younger children, diarrhoea may also be present — making it all the more difficult to distinguish from common viral illnesses.

Rapid changes in behaviour 

Perhaps most frightening among symptoms are the behavioural changes. 

In young children, this might take the form of clinginess or a refusal to be held. Older children and teenagers may become withdrawn or behave oddly. 

Adults can become disorientated, struggle to follow conversations, or act irrationally. Some lapse into delirium or even unconsciousness.

Doctors urge families to trust their instincts. 

If someone seems ‘not quite right’—especially in combination with other symptoms—medical attention should be sought immediately.  

The rash that doesn’t fade

Meningococcal blood poisoning, which occurs when the bacteria enter the bloodstream, can lead to one of the most well-known signs: a purplish rash that doesn’t fade when pressed. 

At first it may look like tiny pinpricks—often on the torso, arms or legs—but can rapidly develop into larger, bruise-like blotches.

Crucially, this rash is often a late sign—so waiting for it to appear can be deadly. Some patients never develop a rash at all. 

In others, it appears just before they become critically ill. 

Signs of septic shock

Once the bacteria begin to circulate in the blood, they can trigger a severe inflammatory response known as septic shock. This is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency treatment.

At this point, the skin may appear pale, mottled or greyish. 

Hands and feet may turn cold, despite a high fever. The heart begins to race and breathing becomes shallow or rapid. In severe cases, the patient may collapse and become unresponsive.

Children may complain of severe limb or joint pain. 

Doctors often check for delayed capillary refill—when pressing the skin and releasing fails to restore colour quickly—a key indicator of shock.

Don’t delay seeking help 

Doctors agree: if you are worried, don’t wait. 

Go straight to A&E or call 999. Do not delay because a symptom is ‘mild’ or ‘not quite matching the textbook’. 

Diagnosis is confirmed with blood tests and, in suspected meningitis, a lumbar puncture to check for bacteria in the spinal fluid. 

Treatment is urgent and usually involves intravenous antibiotics and intensive care support. The earlier it starts, the better the outcome. 

Vaccines have dramatically reduced the number of cases, but no vaccine protects against all strains. 

Teenagers, university students, and babies are especially vulnerable—and outbreaks still occur in schools, nurseries and halls of residence.

Every year in the UK, hundreds are affected. Around one in ten do not survive. 

Others are left with life-altering aftereffects, including limb loss, hearing damage or memory problems. Knowing the symptoms could save a life.