In 1972, country X had a population of P and M cases of meningitis, for a per capita rate of meningitis of M/P . If, over the next ten years, the number of cases of meningitis decreased by 50% and the population of country X increased by 50%, what is the percentage change in the per capita rate of meningitis over the ten-year period?
(A) 33 1/3 % increase
(B) no change
(C) 33 1/3 % decrease
(D) 50% decrease
(E) 66 2/3 % decrease