Correspondence to

Background Early recognition and treatment of meningococcal disease improves its outcome. Haemorrhagic rash is one of the most specifi c signs that parents can learn to recognise. Objective To determine the percentage of parents able to recognise a haemorrhagic rash and perform the tumbler test. Methods 123 parents of children consulting for mild injuries were interviewed about the signifi cance and recognition of haemorrhagic rash in febrile children. Results Although 88 % of parents undressed their children when they were febrile, it was never to look specifi cally for a skin rash. Only 7 % (95 % CI 3 % to 12%) were able to recognise a petechial rash and knew th