Early meningitis symptoms may be like those of the flu. Symptoms may come on over several hours or over a few days. Symptoms in people older than 2 years The following may be symptoms of meningitis in people older than 2 years: Sudden high fever. Stiff neck. Bad headache. Nausea or vomiting. Confusion or trouble concentrating. Seizures. Sleepiness or trouble waking. Sensitivity to light. No desire to eat or drink. Skin rash sometimes, such as in meningococcal meningitis. Symptoms in newborns and infants The following may be symptoms of meningitis in newborns and infants: High fever. Constant crying. Being very sleepy or irritable. Trouble waking from sleep. Being not active or sluggish. Not waking to eat. Poor feeding. Vomiting. A bulge in the soft spot on top of the baby's head. Stiffness in the body and neck.