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Meningitis: People
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Viral meningitis is caused by such viruses as enteroviruses, which are very common in summer and early fall. These viruses can spread through contact with saliva, mucus, or feces (poop). That doesn't mean that people need to kiss or share a sandwich to catch the virus, though. People can spread the infection when they touch surfaces that others will touch or when they sneeze without covering their mouths. Enteroviruses begin to multiply in the digestive tract and can spread through the body to cause meningitis.
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Bacterial meningitis is more common in very young children, under the age of five. In adults, it affects more men than women. People at higher risk are those with chronic illnesses, such as ear and nose infections, or illnesses that impair the immune system.
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The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the germ for days, weeks or even months. Being a carrier helps to stimulate your body's natural defense system.
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The bacteria that can cause bacterial meningitis are very common and don't usually cause any harm. They are found naturally in the nose and throat, particularly in teenagers and young adults. The bacteria can be spread through prolonged close contact, coughing, sneezing and kissing. However, only in a small number of people do the germs overwhelm the body's immune system to cause meningitis or septicaemia.
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One of the most common problems resulting from meningitis is hearing loss. Temporary or permanent deafness affects about 1 in 10 people following meningitis. Anyone who has had meningitis should take a hearing test.
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Many other types of viruses can ... cause meningitis. For example, viral meningitis can be caused by herpes viruses, the same virus that can cause cold sores and genital herpes (although people with recurrent cold sores or genital herpes are not at a greater risk of developing herpes meningitis).
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