What is a classic symptom of meningitis in younger children?

A classic symptom of meningitis in younger children is typically a high fever and rash. Meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, often leads to a rapid onset of fever as the body responds to infection. In many cases, a rash is also present, especially if the meningitis is caused by a bacterial infection such as meningococcal disease. This rash can be petechial (small red or purple spots) and can indicate a more severe systemic response.

While symptoms such as confusion, headache, and stiff neck are classic signs of meningitis in older children and adults, younger children may not present these symptoms in the same way due to developmental differences. Therefore, high fever combined with a rash is often more observable and indicative of meningitis in this younger age group.

The other options, such as low blood sugar, stiff neck and headache, and confusion and hallucinations, may occur in various conditions but are not as characteristic of meningitis specifically in younger children.