Though meningitis itself is not contagious, bacteria that cause infection which may lead to meningitis may be spread through:

• Personal contact (e.g., touching, kissing)
• Coughing or sneezing
• Sharing certain personal items (e.g., toothbrush, eating utensils)

Living with someone who has meningitis may also increase the risk of bacterial exposure. In some cases, a physician may prescribe antibiotics as a preventive measure for people living with someone who is infected. Vaccinations are also available to prevent some forms of bacterial meningitis, including:

• Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4). Expected to give better, longer-lasting protection than previous meningitis vaccines. Licensed in 2005, MCV4 is also predicted to prevent person-to-person spread of meningitis. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends this vaccine for children at their routine adolescent visit (11 or 12 years of age) and other people at increased risk for the disease, including:
  
  
• • Adolescents entering high school
    
    
  • College students living in dormitories and residence halls
    
    
  • Microbiologists routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria
    
    
  • United States military recruits
    
    
  • People living in or traveling to areas with high rates of infection (e.g., Africa)
    
    
  • Anyone with a damaged or removed spleen
    
    
  • People with compromised immune systems
    
    
  • Individuals who may have been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak
    
    
• Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib). Routinely given to children in the United States. The Hib type b bacteria was, but no longer is, a leading cause of the disease. The vaccine may also be used on adults with certain diseases (e.g., AIDS, sickle cell anemia).
  
  
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7). Also part of regular immunizations for young children. It may also be used for older children at risk for pneumococcal disease or who have other serious conditions (e.g., chronic lung disease, cancer). PCV7 should be avoided by children who have had a previous allergic reaction to the vaccine.
  
  
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV). This vaccine is recommended by the CDC for children with compromised immune systems or certain chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease) and for adults over age 65.
  
  
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In most cases, people born after 1956 and over the age of 18 years should receive the MMR vaccine at least once. Children usually receive two doses of the vaccine, the first at 12 to 15 months of age and the second between the ages of 4 and 6 years. The vaccine has reduced the occurrence of meningitis formerly caused by measles, mumps or rubella.

Avoiding viruses that cause meningitis reduces the risk of contracting the viral form of the disease (e.g., herpes simplex virus, arboviruses). Cooking meat thoroughly will substantially reduce the risk of listeriosis, which may cause meningitis in some cases. Use of insect repellant when outdoors may help prevent exposure to infected mosquitos and ticks.

Washing hands regularly and properly kills germs and reduces the risk of being infected with the bacteria and viruses that can lead to meningitis. All children and family members are urged to wash their hands thoroughly, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom. Avoiding close contact with people who are ill with certain infections and refraining from sharing food, beverages and eating utensils with others can also reduce the risk of exposure to germs.