What Meningitis Is Contagious?

Bacterial meningitis, the most serious form of meningitis, can also be contagious, especially if it's meningococcal meningitis

. It's spread through extended contact with an infected person. Schools, daycare centers, military barracks, hospitals, and college dormitories are prime locations for sharing this infection.

At what stage is meningitis contagious?

Viral meningitis can be contagious from 3 days after infection starts to about 10 days after symptoms develop. Bacterial meningitis is usually less contagious than viral meningitis. It's generally contagious during the incubation period and an additional 7 to 14 days.

What types of meningitis are contagious?

Bacterial meningitis: Bacterial meningitis is usually contagious; some bacteria more highly contagious (such as Neisseria meningitidis in young adults and Streptococcus pneumoniae in all ages) than others. Fungal meningitis: Fungal meningitis (for example, Cryptococcus meningitis) is not considered to be contagious.