Direct Exposure
Meningococcal disease is a bacterial cause of meningitis. While not as communicable as influenza or the common cold, bacterial meningitis is mainly spread through the exchange of throat and respiratory secretions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, typically this occurs through kissing, sneezing and coughing, not by breathing the air in the same room as an infected person.
Prolonged Contact
In closed quarters such as military bases, boarding schools and college dormitories, the meningococcal disease can cause localized epidemics. The World Health Organization states that college students who share the same drinking or eating utensils can facilitate the disease spreading because the incubation period can range from two to 10 days. Persons who have had close contact with someone infected with meningitis should receive a course of antibiotics called prophylaxis.
Weakened Immune System
If a household member such as a child has a weakened immune system or is under the age of 4 and has not been fully immunized, it is recommended that all household members receive prophylaxis, no matter what their age.
