Symptoms
In adults, symptoms include:
- Light sensitivity
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Fever
- Joint aches and pain
- Muscle spasm
- Pain that radiates from the spine
- Seizures
- Stiff neck and back
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
In children, symptoms may include:
- A blank, staring expression
- A dislike of being touched or handled
- A high-pitched, moaning cry
- Arching back
- Fever with cold hands and feet
- Fretfulness
- Lethargy or difficulty waking up
- Pale, blotchy skin color
- Refusal to eat
- Vomiting
- Whimpering
When a child is affected, he or she may refuse to stand or sit because it hurts.
Causes and Risk Factors
Bacteria or a virus usually cause this condition. The infection occurs 10 days to two weeks before the symptoms appear.