50 more in RI received tainted steroid

NEW YORK (AP) — Rhode Island health officials say 50 more people are being notified that they received a steroid from a Massachusetts specialty pharmacy that's been linked to a deadly outbreak of fungal meningitis.

Department of Health Spokeswoman Dara Chadwick says 195 people were initially notified that they got a steroid from the New England Compounding Center. Officials have tied the outbreak to steroid shots for back pain. At least one contaminated vial was found at the company.

Chadwick says the Centers for Disease Control has since expanded the recall to include medications given starting May 21, affecting 50 more Rhode Island patients.

She says there are no confirmed cases of the illness in Rhode Island. Nationwide, 11 people have died and 119 have gotten sick.

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.

The company recalled the steroid that was sent to clinics in 23 states, and later recalled everything it makes.

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Online:

CDC: http:// www.cdc.gov/ HAI/outbreaks/ meningitis.html