3 new infections in Michigan from bad steroids

Michigan health officials have reported three more infections in the past week linked to contaminated steroids supplied by a Massachusetts pharmaceutical company.

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Credit cdc.gov

CDC scientist Naureen Iqbal reads results of antifungal drug susceptibility testing during the multistate meningitis outbreak.

The Michigan Department of Community Health says at least 244 people have been infected with illnesses including fungal meningitis that are part of a national disease outbreak. The steroids are used in injections to treat neck and back pain.

The department reports that at least 15 people have died in the outbreak, unchanged from last Monday.

As of Friday, the department says there have been 68 cases of fungal meningitis, 153 epidural abscesses, one stroke and 22 peripheral joint infections in Michigan tied to the steroids.

Online:

Michigan Department of Community Health meningitis link

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention meningitis outbreak map