Meningitis outbreak toll: 119 cases, 11 deaths
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A branch of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. The fungus is blamed for causing a meningitis outbreak in five states and is widely distributed, but only very rarely makes people sick.
NEW YORK » The number of people sickened by a deadly meningitis outbreak has now reached 119 cases, including 11 deaths.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated the count today.
New Jersey is the 10th state to report at least one illness. The other states involved in the outbreak are Tennessee, Michigan, Virginia, Indiana, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina and Ohio.
Officials have tied the outbreak of rare fungal meningitis to steroid shots for back pain. The steroid was made by a specialty pharmacy in Massachusetts. At least one contaminated vial was found at the company.
The company recalled the steroid that was sent to clinics in 23 states, and later recalled everything it makes.
