Meningococcal disease is contagious. The disease is transmitted through air droplets and direct contact with infected persons (e.g., coughing, kissing). 

The bacteria attach to the mucosal lining of the nose and throat where they can multiply. When bacteria penetrate the mucosal lining and enter the bloodstream, they travel rapidly throughout the body and can cause damage to many organs. The bacteria cannot live outside the body for very long, so the disease is not as easily transmitted as a cold virus. The disease occurs most often in late winter and early spring.

Vaccination is the only way to potentially prevent meningococcal disease. It is also import to follow good hygiene practices, such as covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze and washing your hands.

There is a vaccine available that protects against four strains of the disease, which account for approximately 70 percent of cases in the United States.