188 meningitis cases, 13 deaths in MI

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan health officials say the number of state residents infected during a national outbreak of fungal meningitis has risen by seven to 188, with 13 deaths.

The Michigan Department of Community Health says that as of Wednesday, there have been 68 meningitis cases, 107 epidural abscesses, one stroke and 12 joint infections. The total of 188 infections is up from 181 in Monday's count.

The totals include three Michigan residents who died after contracting infections in Indiana.

The fungal meningitis outbreak is linked to contaminated steroids produced by a Massachusetts pharmacy used in injections for neck or back pain.

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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