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Number Of Florida Cases Linked To Fungal Meningitis Outbreak Increases

The Florida Department of Health has found an additional case of fungal meningitis linked to the national outbreak that stems from contaminated steroid injections from the Massachusetts-based pharmacy called the New England Compounding Center. Florida Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong says the state’s newest case now brings the total in Florida to 25 cases.

“A 73-year-old man in Marion County. He received his injection July 25th, and it appears the incubation period extended and beyond 90 days,” said Armstrong.

The last reported case in Florida was November 19th. There have been three deaths so far in the state. As of Tuesday, there are 541 cases in 19 states across the country. 36 people have died nationwide.

Health officials are also hoping to warn people who received an injection from the New England Compounding Center since May 21st of this year of the signs and symptoms of fungal meningitis. That includes headaches, slurred speech, and numbness or weakness on one side of the body.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on twitter @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.