A School-Age Child with a History of Asthma Has Brought

A school-age child with a history of asthma has brought a note home from school stating that there has been one case of meningitis (Neisseria meningitides) in the school. Since the mother is a nurse, she is very concerned since she knows the portal of entry of this pathogen is

A) by inhalation via the respiratory tract such as through breathing or yawning.
B) by direct contact with a contaminated object such as a pencil.
C) by ingestion such as when children share their drink with their friends.
D) through a cut or abrasion that may occur on the playground.