Michigan cases tied to meningitis outbreak hit 197

Michigan health officials say the number of state residents infected during a national outbreak of fungal meningitis has risen by nine to 197, with 13 deaths.

The Michigan Department of Community Health says that as of Friday, there have been 68 meningitis cases, 116 epidural abscesses, one stroke and 13 joint infections. The total of 197 infections is up from 188 in Wednesday's count.

The totals include three Michigan residents who died after contracting meningitis 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://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,4612,7-132-2945_5104_8513-287628--,00.html
  

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention meningitis outbreak map: http://1.usa.gov/Qsw1eU