Feds Cut Number of MN Clinics that Received NECC Drugs
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The federal government now says 111 Minnesota clinics received drugs from a Massachusetts pharmacy at the center of a fungal meningitis outbreak. That’s 18 fewer clinics than state officials reported last week after receiving a different provider list, and they don’t know why the number changed.
Only one steroid made by New England Compounding Center has been linked to the fungal meningitis outbreak. But the Food and Drug Administration warns it can’t verify the safety of other drugs made at the facility.
Assistant State Epidemiologist Richard Danila tells Minnesota Public Radio the lower number of clinics is confusing.
A spokeswoman says the FDA is focusing on drugs shipped since May 21, believed to be at greatest risk of contamination.
Minnesota has nine confirmed cases of fungal meningitis so far.