It depends what caused the meningitis. If the infection was caused by a bacteria called meningococcus then it is contagious from person to person by close, direct physical contact as occurs between people who live together or by such activities as kissing, sharing drinks, cigarettes, etc. Close contacts of persons with meningococcal meningitis are at a small but definite risk of getting the disease and should be treated with antibiotics to prevent the infection.
