More fungal meningitis cases reported

NEW YORK – As the tally from a deadly meningitis outbreak rose Friday, health officials identified the medical clinics across the country that received steroid shots for back pain now linked to the illnesses.

Authorities took the step to help identify everyone who may have gotten sick – or may still get sick – in the outbreak.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the number of cases of the rare fungal meningitis reached nearly 50 cases, and spread to a seventh state Friday. The number of deaths in the outbreak remained at five.

On Friday, officials said they have found fungal infections in nine sick patients.

In all, 47 people have contracted fungal meningitis, the CDC said. Michigan became the seventh state to report cases, with four. Tennessee’s cases now total 29; Virginia, six; Indiana, 3; two each in Maryland and Florida and one in North Carolina.

Three people have died in Tennessee and one in Virginia and Maryland.