The bacteria that cause Meningococcal disease are spread in saliva and mucous from the mouth and nose of an infected person. They live only for a few minutes outside the body. Good hygiene provides effective protection against many infections.
- Cover one's mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Dispose of used tissues
- Wash hands
- Avoid sharing anything that comes in contact with the mouth, such as mouthpieces
The following information is intended to help people assess their own risk when they know of a person who has meningococcal disease.
In the event of a case of meningococcal disease in a band setting, public health officials may recommend antibiotics, vaccine or both to close contacts of the infected person. Close contacts are those who have kissed infected individuals, shared overnight accommodations, or anything that has contacted the mouth of tongue of infected individuals, such as
- Mouthpieces
- Food, beverages or eating utensils
- Lipstick, cigarettes or toothbrushes
Close contacts do not pose a risk to others and may continue participating in orchestra/band activities.
For more information about preventive treatment of close contacts, click here
Index of Meningococcal Disease in Different Settings: