An outbreak of fungal meningitis linked to steroid shots for back pain is now blamed for 284 illnesses in 16 states.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say 23 people have now died.

The medication, made by a specialty pharmacy in Massachusetts, has been recalled.

Latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Illnesses: 284, including three joint infections.

Deaths: 23

States: 16; Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

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Online:

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/outbreaks/meningitis.html

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