LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Meningitis: Persons
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The incidence of bacterial meningitis is 2-3 per 100,000. Recent statistics show an increase among persons aged 60 years and older independent of other factors. In 1995, incidence by major pathogens (all ages per 100,000) was as follows:
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Pay careful attention to personal hygiene -- Handwashing helps prevent infection with many of the viruses that can cause viral meningitis. Wash hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet, after changing diapers, before preparing and eating food, and after sneezing and coughing.
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The prognosis for bacterial meningitis depends on the person's age, which bacterium is causing the disease and how early the disease was diagnosed. Up to 10% of people with this disease will die, and a larger percentage of survivors have long-term consequences, such as hearing loss or neurological problems.
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One type of bacterium causes a contagious form of meningitis. A person with this form of meningitis can pass it to others with whom he or she comes into contact. Epidemics (mass infections) of meningitis have been known to occur in crowded day-care centers and military training camps.
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