Federal health officials say Illinois is among 23 states that received shipments of a steroid linked to a deadly meningitis outbreak.The Illinois Department of Public Health says there are no illnesses reported in the state.
Elsewhere, about 35 people have been sickened and some have died. All received steroid injections, mostly for back pain, a fairly typical treatment.
The specialty pharmacy that made the steroid, New England Compounding Center of Framingham, Mass., recalled three lots of the drug last week and has shut down operations.
The type of meningitis involved is not contagious like the more common forms. This type is caused by a fungus often found in leaf mold. Health officials suspect it may have been in the steroid.
Investigators say they are still trying to confirm the source of the infection.
Elsewhere, about 35 people have been sickened and some have died. All received steroid injections, mostly for back pain, a fairly typical treatment.
The specialty pharmacy that made the steroid, New England Compounding Center of Framingham, Mass., recalled three lots of the drug last week and has shut down operations.
The type of meningitis involved is not contagious like the more common forms. This type is caused by a fungus often found in leaf mold. Health officials suspect it may have been in the steroid.
Investigators say they are still trying to confirm the source of the infection.