As of 1 p.m. Central time Oct. 22, 2012, the number of patients with meningitis, epidural abscess or posterior stroke associated with epidural steroid injections or steroid injections in a major joint using products from New England Compounding Center remains at 69. The number of confirmed deaths in this situation is still nine.

Tennesseans wanting to ask questions about the outbreak may contact the Tennessee Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. 

The Tennessee Department of Health will continue to post updated information on this outbreak investigation online athttp://news.tn.gov/taxonomy/term/30. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has information on the investigation available online at www.cdc.gov/HAI/outbreaks/meningitis.html.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. For more information about TDH services and programs, visit http://health.state.tn.us/.