Meningitis and encephalitis. These are infections of the brain and spinal cord that are usually caused by bacteria or viruses.

脑膜炎和脑炎：这些是由细菌或病毒引起的脑部或脊髓的感染。

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Several different bacteria can cause meningitis.

若干不同细菌可引起脑膜炎。

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The bacteria most often responsible for bacterial meningitis are common in the environment and can also be found in your nose and respiratory system without causing any harm.

导致脑膜炎的细菌是环境中常见的，它们常常可存在于您的鼻子及呼吸系统中，但不引起任何危害。

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Several different bacteria can cause meningitis but Neisseria meningitidis -- which is to blame for this outbreak -- is one of the most significant because of its potential to cause epidemics.

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Both bacteria can cause meningitis, pneumonia, and other infections.

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The risk to the families of pilgrims was highlighted by a study in Malaysia, published in 2002: among people sharing a house with a returning pilgrim, about 8% were carrying traces of the bacteria associated with meningitis.

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