MENINGOCOCCAL

MENINGOCOCCAL bacteria cannot live outside a human body and they cannot be picked up from surfaces, water supplies, swimming pools, buildings, food, drinks, pets or other animals. Spread of the bacteria is associated with regular close, prolonged, intimate contact. The bacteria are passed between people in the secretions of fluid from the back of the nose and throat. This generally requires close and prolonged contact with a person carrying the bacteria, who is usually completely well.