Pa. Reports First Meningitis Outbreak In Altoona
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania health officials have identified the state's first case of fungal meningitis linked to a deadly national outbreak involving steroid shots.
Officials said Monday that the patient is hospitalized and receiving treatment.
Fifteen people across the U.S. have died from the illness associated with steroid shots for back pain. The medication, made by a specialty pharmacy in Massachusetts, was recalled last month.
More than 200 people in 14 states have been sickened.
According to the Health Department, the Pennsylvania patient received a steroid injection in July at a medical clinic in Altoona.
No illnesses to date have been linked to a second western Pennsylvania facility that received shipments of the steroid medication.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
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