13 dead, 167 Michigan meningitis cases

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Officials say the Michigan death toll from a national meningitis outbreak has risen to 13, with at least 167 infections reported.

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

The Michigan Department of Community Health said Wednesday that the state has had 67 cases of meningitis, including the 13 deaths. In addition, there have been 91 epidural abscesses, one stroke and eight joint infections.

Four deaths are from Livingston County and two from Washtenaw County, with one each in Cass, Charlevoix, Genesee, Ingham and Wayne counties. Two other deaths involve Michigan residents infected in Indiana.

------

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