If a child has bacterial meningitis, what is the time period that they are contagious? From when till when?

Ginny Marso responds:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 5%-10% of the population carries the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease in their nose and throat at any given time. They can pass the disease on to others, therefore, these carriers as well as those who are infected, are considered contagious. The bacteria causing meningococcal disease are passed through air droplets and transmitted through intimate rather than casual contact, for instance, kissing. Those who come into close contact with an infected person are often given antibiotics as a precaution.