How long does meningitis live in saliva outside the body? seconds? minutes? hours? if someone slobbered all over a balloon and then i went to blow up the balloon and it was wet, can i get it, if they were carriers?

The risk depends on the type of meningitis and how close someone is exposed. If meningococcal meningitis, preventive antibiotic is needed for all close contacts (household members, classmates, etc), and certainly for someone who had this kind of contact with wet saliva. Discuss with your doctor, or ask your local or state health department. (No risk from saliva of someone without meningitis.)

Meningitis can be caused by many different germs and the lifespan of these outside the body varies. Some can carry some of these germs in their saliva and never get sick. Try to be more specific with the type/age range involved/etc. when you post so we can provide a more specific answer.