Meningitis can spread quickly and in several ways:
- Close contact – Bacterial and viral meningitis can spread through hugs, kisses, or sharing drinks and utensils, vapes or even lipsticks.
- Airborne droplets – It can spread through coughing, sneezing, or talking.
- Contact with infected fluids – Touching saliva, mucus, or other bodily fluids from someone sick can lead to infection.
- Spread from other infections – Infections like ear, sinus, or throat infections can spread to the meninges.
- Fungal infections – Rarely, fungi can cause meningitis, especially in people with weak immune systems.
- Medical procedures – In rare cases, bacteria can enter during surgeries or procedures like spinal taps.