Meningitis is primarily transmitted by which route?

• A. Direct contact with respiratory secretions
• B. Insect bites
• C. Food contamination
• D. Direct contact with blood

Answer: (A)

Meningitis is spread mainly through respiratory droplets released by an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or talk. Pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae live in the upper airway and can be transmitted to others who inhale these droplets, especially in close-contact settings. Insect bites and food contamination are not typical transmission routes for meningitis, and direct contact with blood is not how it usually spreads between people. In practice, this means using appropriate droplet precautions and limiting close contact when meningitis is suspected.