How do you get bacterial meningitis?

Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE

Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) is a common germ (bacterium), living harmlessly in the nose and throat of about 1 in 4 people. These people are called carriers. This bacterium does not survive outside the body. Close contact is needed to pass it on to others, such as intimate kissing, coughing or sneezing near to others.

For more information on meningitis, go to https://patient.info/health/meningitis-leaflet