Circulatory collapse, which is characterized by
clammy skin, high fever, a rapid, thready pulse, labored respiration, and
coma. Other clinical features may include dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, oliguria,
and neck stiffness, and occasionally anuria. Usually occurs in infants or
children, occasionally in adults. Death usually occurs after a few hours if not treated.
Adrenal insufficiency being the immediate cause. Patients who recover may
suffer from extensive sloughing of the skin and loss of digits as a result
of gangrene.