Meningitis outbreak deaths rise to 19

Wednesday October 17, 2012 3:00 PM

MIKE STOBBE

The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Health officials say four more people have died in a meningitis outbreak in the U.S., bringing the number of deaths to 19.

The deaths are among the 247 people in 15 U.S. states sickened in the outbreak, which has been tied to steroid shots for back pain. Most have a rare fungal form of meningitis. Two have joint infections.

A specialty pharmacy in Massachusetts made the steroid, and federal officials are investigating the business.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated the count on Wednesday. There were two more deaths reported in Tennessee and one each in Florida and Virginia.

The CDC also said test results so far show infections with three kinds of fungus. Most were a form of black mold.

©2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Currently in Columbus
64°
Clear

Today

Full schedule
8:00
60 Minutes
9:00
ACM Presents: Tim McGraw's Superstar Summer Night
11:00
10TV News @ 11PM
11:35
Wall to Wall Sports