FDA seizes 5 vials in NV in meningitis scare

FDA seizes 5 vials in NV in meningitis scare

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RENO, Nev. (AP) - A growing outbreak of a rare form of meningitis is being blamed for at least five deaths across the country but so far no cases have been reported in Nevada.

In all, 35 people in six states have been sickened from a steroid product that has been traced to a pharmacy in Massachusetts and was distributed to 23 states, including Nevada.

Southern Nevada Health District spokeswoman Stephanie Bethel said Thursday the Centers for Disease Control confirmed five vials of the steroid implicated in the outbreak made their way to Nevada. But she says all were unused and have been collected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The type of fungal meningitis involved is caused by fungus often found in leaf mold. It is not contagious like more common forms.

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