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Tennessee Man Dies Of Bacterial Meningitis

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Health officials in two states are looking into the death of a Tennessee man, who died of meningitis.

Dr. John Dreyzehner of the Virginia Department of Health said the man, whose name and address were being withheld, fell ill Saturday and died Monday.

A lab culture confirmed the cause of death as bacterial meningitis.

The man visited Dickenson and Wise counties in Virginia over the weekend, and health officials there are treating anyone known to have had close contact with him.

Dreyzehner said Tennessee health officials also are investigating.

Bacterial meningitis is an infection of fluid in the spinal cord and brain. High fever, headache, and stiff neck are common symptoms.

Authorities said the infection can spread through saliva-sharing contact and medication can reduce the chances of infection.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)