Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the thin layer of tissue surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. Viruses and bacteria most often cause meningitis in children. The symptoms of meningitis vary by age, but in children 1 year of age the symptoms tend to be non-specific and can mimic other conditions.
Fever
Fever is the body's response in infection and inflammation. Bacteria and viruses produce pyrogens, substances that stimulate the hippocampus the brains thermostat, to increase the body's temperature. Fever in children with viral meningitis can be mild, but in bacterial meningitis the temperature can be higher than 104 degrees F.
Changes in behavior
One-year-old children lack the language skills necessary to express some of the common symptoms of meningitis, including headache, neck stiffness and photophobia, or inability to tolerate bright light. Instead, they exhibit behavioral changes. According to the Nemours Foundation, these include irritability, inconsolability, poor feeding, a weak suck, high-pitched cry and sleepiness. Other behavioral changes associated with meningitis include crying when picked up or being held and unusual variations in the infant's temperament.
Seizures
Seizures in children with meningitis can indicate a worsening of the disease process; as a response to a sudden increase in the infant's body temperature, a condition called febrile seizure; or indicate inflammation of the brain itself, or brain edema. A seizure is an abrupt discharge in the electrical signals of the brain, which manifests itself as involuntary body movements and loss of consciousness. Symptoms of seizures in 1-year-old infants with meningitis include tongue-thrusting, lip-smacking, and whole body stiffening and shaking.
Other Symptoms
Infants whose anterior fontanel, or soft spot, is still open at 1 year of age can have bulging of the fontanel if they have meningitis. According to MedlinePlus, this bulging corresponds to an increase in the pressure inside the brain as a result of meningitis. Vomiting can also be a symptom of meningitis, and can lead to dehydration. Rashes are common in viral meningitis. These rashes are usually flat red spots spread throughout the body. But if the rash is raised and purple colored, it could be purpuric, a manifestation of clotting problems that can accompany bacterial meningitis
