Feds cut number of Minn. clinics that got NECC drugs

Published 2:59 pm Saturday, October 27, 2012

ST. PAUL — 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 said the lower number of clinics is confusing, and that the FDA hasn’t been helpful.

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An FDA spokeswoman did not immediately return a call from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Minnesota has nine confirmed cases of fungal meningitis so far.