Which of the following is most likely to be a symptom of meningitis?

Headaches and neck stiffness are classic symptoms associated with meningitis, a condition characterized by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation can irritate the nerves and tissues in the central nervous system, leading to increased intracranial pressure, which often manifests as severe headaches. Neck stiffness occurs due to irritation of the meninges, making it difficult for individuals to flex their necks forward. These symptoms are particularly telling, especially when combined with other manifestations such as fever and sensitivity to light, which are also common in meningitis cases.

In contrast, symptoms like shortness of breath, weight gain, or abdominal pain are not specifically indicative of meningitis and can be associated with a variety of other health conditions. Shortness of breath might suggest respiratory issues, weight gain could be due to numerous factors unrelated to meningitis, and abdominal pain is typically linked to gastrointestinal or metabolic issues rather than central nervous system inflammation. Thus, headaches and neck stiffness effectively pinpoint meningitis among the symptoms presented.