Are you concerned about exposure to the bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis? Or are you aware of an outbreak in your area? If so, you need to contact your doctor right away. You may be asked several questions, so you and your doctor can better understand the risk involved.

Be prepared to answer these questions when visiting your doctor.

1. Does the possibly exposed person know a school classmate or coworker who has been infected?
   
   
2. Is the possibly exposed person in the same household as the infected person?
   
   
3. Is the possibly exposed person a child in a day care setting who has had contact with an infected person in the last 7 days?
   
   
4. Has the possibly exposed person had direct contact with an infected person's secretions (examples include kissing, sharing toothbrushes and/or eating utensils) or had close social contact?
   
   
5. Does the possibly exposed person often eat or sleep in the same place as the infected person?
   
   

As with any medical condition, your doctor is the best person to identify the best course of action.

Want to know about the symptoms associated with meningococcal meningitis? Find out the symptoms for infants as well as the symptoms for children, teenagers, & adults.