Fungal Meningitis Case Count Rises To 37 In New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey health officials say 37 cases of fungal meningitis have now been reported in the state.

The cases, two confirmed and 35 considered probable, are linked to a recalled, potentially tainted steroid produced by a specialty pharmacy in Massachusetts. Nationally, officials say more than 500 cases have been reported in 19 states, including 36 deaths.

State health officials say no one in New Jersey has died from the illness. Fifteen patients remain hospitalized, and all of those sickened continue to recover.

Four more cases were recently announced by state health officials. They include a 32-year-old Gloucester County man and three Cumberland County residents — two women, ages 44 and 87, and a 55-year-old man.

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