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.

Ways to help prevent spreading the disease include following good hygiene practices, such as washing hands, not sharing water bottles or other drinks, avoiding cigarettes and generally not transmitting or sharing items that have been in one's mouth.

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.