An abscess in the neck can cause difficulty swallowing.
One of the most common symptoms of meningitis is fever and neck pain. Other conditions with these symptoms include a neck abscess, a rhinovirus infection, or a very rare virus known as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Experts warn that fever accompanied by neck pain can be a sign of a very serious illness, particularly when seen in children, and prompt medical attention should be sought.
Since fever and neck pain can indicate a life-threatening illness, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention.
When the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord become inflamed due to infection, it is known as meningitis, and it is a very serious and life-threatening disease. Symptoms include fever, neck stiffness and pain, confusion, headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and rash. In some cases, people with this disease may also experience seizures, brain damage, or death if the infection is not treated early. Fever and neck pain are most often found in pediatric cases, and many adults have no symptoms other than fatigue and mental confusion.
Surgery may be needed to treat an abscess in the neck.
The fever and neck pain can also be caused by a rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. Common cold symptoms can also include sore throat, fatigue, nasal congestion, loss of appetite, cough and sneezing. More serious symptoms may also include a severe headache, ear pain, chest congestion, shortness of breath, muscle stiffness, and a fever over 101°F (38.3°C).
The fever and neck pain can be caused by a rhinovirus, which causes the common cold.
A neck abscess, also known as a retropharyngeal abscess, is a collection of pus in the tissue that lines the back of the throat. This condition is usually preceded by a throat infection and occurs most often in children. In addition to severe pain and fever, other symptoms may include difficulty swallowing and breathing, and drooling. In cases where a child’s airway becomes blocked, an abscess in the neck can be fatal. Surgery is often needed to treat this condition.
Meningitis can cause fever, stiffness, and neck pain.
A rare but very deadly progressive viral infection known as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever can cause fever and chills, rash, bruising, dizziness, confusion, diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat, and severe headache. Some people become very aggressive when infected with the virus. Bleeding in the brain can also occur if the disease is not caught early.
