CDC: 7 dead in outbreak of rare fungal meningitis in US

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-- a dramatic jump in the number of cases of the rare fungal meningitis outbreak in the United States according to Center for Disease Control.

Seven people are dead now 91 cases in nine different states.

Linked to contaminated steroid injections.

-- used to treat back pain Elizabeth brand is -- in Atlanta with more on that fun stuff.

Hi -- yes those new numbers released by the Centers for Disease Control now we're seeing 91 cases across the US that's up.

From 64 just yesterday the new cases mostly in the state of Michigan.

Where fifteen people have contracted the disease seven more in Virginia a total of seven people have died in tennis -- Michigan Maryland and Virginia in just the last week.

Health experts say those people contracted a rare form of meningitis from steroid injections used to -- back pain.

The tainted drug was shipped to doctors and -- pain clinics across the US.

From New England com pounding center in Massachusetts.

The FDA has recalled the injections and is now working tirelessly to notify anyone who may have been injected with the contaminated drug.

Meningitis is often caused by viruses or bacteria but this particular strain is caused by -- fungus.

Symptoms can be as severe as strokes and it could take days if not weeks to -- listen.

The symptoms.

That there are experiencing are those that we sometimes see.

In cases of meningitis such as fever.

New or worsening headache sometimes neck stiffness.

We've also seen in a few patient's signs and symptoms of stroke sudden onset of slurred speech dizziness difficulty walking sudden weakness etc.

Now the CD -- CDC says this particular type of fungal meningitis is not contagious from person to person but they do have a list of all the doctors and clinics that didn't receive the contaminated vials.

On their web site CDC dot -- -- get any questions make sure to check out.

-- back to you.

Elizabeth Fran thanks very much.

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CDC: 7 dead in outbreak of rare fungal meningitis in US

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