Final answer:
The signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis include fever, headache, neck stiffness, confusion, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and loud noises. Young children may also exhibit irritability, drowsiness, or poor feeding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis include:
- Fever: A high body temperature is a common symptom of meningitis.
- Headache: Severe headaches are often experienced by individuals with bacterial meningitis.
- Neck stiffness: This is a classic symptom of meningitis, where the neck becomes stiff and difficult to move.
- Confusion or altered consciousness: Mental confusion or changes in consciousness can be signs of bacterial meningitis.
- Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of meningitis.
- Inability to tolerate light or loud noises: Sensitivity to light and sound can be experienced by individuals with meningitis.
- Irritability, drowsiness, or poor feeding (in young children): Young children may exhibit these symptoms when infected with bacterial meningitis.