A recent outbreak of meningococci in Australia highlighted the need for accurate diagnosis in such life threatening cases. One of the first presenting symptoms is often sudden or recent onset of headpain, usually in conjunction with neck stiffness, intolerance to light, feeling tired or unwell. Other symptoms can include a sudden appearance of a skin rash. Note that any combination of these symptoms can occur (not necessarily all of them), and in such cases immediate medical expertise must be sought.