How do you get meningococcal disease? Is this Florida outbreak really contagious?

The meningococcal outbreak in Florida is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus.

These illnesses are often severe and can include infections and swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia), according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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“Having meningitis doesn’t always mean you have meningococcal disease. And having meningococcal disease doesn’t necessarily mean you have meningitis,” the CDC notes. “Meningococcal disease is any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.

Meningococcal disease is what has Florida health officials concerned because of its potential severity.

How contagious is meningococcal?

Meningococcal disease is not as contagious as the germs that lead to the common cold or flu or COVID-19, which can be contracted by breathing in respiratory droplets in the air from someone infected and close by.

Rather, this form of meningitis typically requires close contact to transmit it from one person to another, according to Florida’s health department. Think kissing or sharing your food or drink where you might pass along respiratory and throat secretions like saliva. Living in close quarters with someone infected can also help the disease spread, which is one reason incoming college students who will reside in dorms on campus are often required to be vaccinated.

“People do not catch the bacteria through casual contact or by breathing air where someone with meningococcal disease has been,” the CDC says.

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