If you press a glass tumbler against this rash it will not disappear. You will still be able to see it through the glass. The bacteria which cause meningococcal meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia are common and can live naturally in the back of the nose and throat. It is spread by respiratory droplets, which are most efficiently generated by coughing sneezing and mouth kissing. Depending on the age group, up to 1 in 10 people may carry this bacteria.
Carriage is uncommon in infancy and early childhood but increase with age.
Carriage is typically followed by the development of immunity. Only a small minority of carriers will develop meningitis or septicaemia after an incubation period of 2-3 days . Invasive meningococcal disease may occur at any age but is most common in infancy and early childhood with an additional smaller peak of disease activity in adolescents and young adults. In temperate climates such as Ireland the infection typically shows a seasonal variation with the majority of cases occurring in winter and early spring. The answer is yes.