What are some ways to get meningitis?

Meningitis is spread through prolonged close contact with an infected individual, according to WebMD. Kissing is one common way of contracting the disease. It is also possible to get meningitis through air-born pathogens spread by coughing or sneezing.

It is possible to contract meningitis by sharing silverware with an infected person, says WebMD. Sharing other items likely to spread saliva, such as cigarettes and toothbrushes, increases the risk of contracting the disease as well.

Universities, boarding schools, student housing and military bases are all especially prone to outbreaks of meningitis, states WebMD. Similarly, crowded religious gatherings often propagate the spread of the disease.