Steroid linked to meningitis outbreak shipped to Illinois - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

Steroid linked to meningitis outbreak shipped to Illinois

Illinois is one of 23 states that was shipped a steroid that has been linked to a meningitis outbreak that has killed several people.

However, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, there have not been any reports of illness in the state so far. There have been reports of about 35 people in other states being ill, with some deaths.

Everyone affected received a steroid injection, mostly to treat back pain. The Massachusetts pharmacy that made the drug issued a recall last week and has since shut down operations.

Those sickened suffered from a form of fungal meningitis that is not contagious.

The source of the infection is still under investigation but officials believe the fungus, which is frequently found in leaf mold, may have been in the steroid.