TRENTON, N.J. (AP) – New Jersey health officials say 40 cases of fungal meningitis have now been reported in the state.

The cases, two confirmed and 38 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. Sixteen patients remain hospitalized, and all of those sickened continue to recover (see related story).

Three more cases were recently announced by state health officials. All three are women from Cumberland County, ages 48, 49 and 71.

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