2 new infections in Michigan from bad steroids

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan health officials have reported two more infections in the past two weeks linked to contaminated steroids supplied by a Massachusetts pharmaceutical company.

The Michigan Department of Community Health says at least 246 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 two weeks ago.

By Friday, the department says there have been 68 cases of fungal meningitis, 154 epidural abscesses, one stroke and 23 peripheral joint infections in Michigan tied to the steroids.

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Online:

Michigan Department of Community Health meningitis link: http://1.usa.gov/Wom9rn

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention meningitis outbreak map: http://1.usa.gov/Qsw1eU

Cox Media Group