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Michigan Cases Tied To Meningitis Outbreak Hit 188

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Michigan health officials say the number of state residents infected during a national outbreak of fungal meningitis has risen to 188, with 13 deaths.

The Michigan Department of Community Health says that as of Wednesday, there have been 68 meningitis cases, 107 epidural abscesses, one stroke and 12 joint infections. The total of 188 infections is up from 181 in Monday's count.

The totals include three Michigan residents who died after contracting infections in Indiana.

The fungal meningitis outbreak is linked to contaminated steroids produced by a Massachusetts pharmacy used in injections for neck or back pain.

According to health officials, interim data show that infected patients received injection with preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate prepared by the New England Compounding Center (NECC), located in Framingham, Mass. On Sept. 25, the NECC recalled three lots of product associated with known cases of fungal meningitis.

Four Michigan facilities received shipments of these recalled lots and are working with the Michigan Department of Community Health to identify and notify patients who may have received this product and be at risk for developing illness. The facilities are:

  • Michigan Neurosurgical Institutes in Grand Blanc
  • Michigan Pain Specialists in Brighton
  • Neuromuscular and Rehabilitation in Traverse City
  • Southeast Michigan Surgical Hospital in Warren

People who got the shots between July and September could be at risk.

Fungal meningitis is not transmitted person-to-person. Infected patients have presented approximately one to four weeks following their injection with a variety of symptoms including fever, new or worsening headache, nausea, and other symptoms consistent with a stroke. Some of these patients' symptoms were very mild in nature.

Any individual who received an epidural steroid injection or steroid injection into a joint at one of the four Michigan facilities and is experiencing symptoms consistent with fungal meningitis or a stroke should immediately contact their physician or seek medical attention.

Additional information about this investigation can be found at www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.

TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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