American Scene: Steroid-related meningitis cases rise to 105

NEW YORK — Health officials say the number of people sickened by a deadly meningitis outbreak has now reached 105.

The number of deaths rose to eight with a fatality in Tennessee.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated the count Monday. Tennessee, Michigan, Virginia, Indiana, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina and Ohio previously reported cases.

Officials have tied the fungal meningitis outbreak to steroid shots for back pain. The steroid was made by a specialty pharmacy in Massachusetts. The company has recalled the steroid, which was sent to clinics in 23 states.

FLORIDA

Man dies after winning live-roach-eating contest

DEERFIELD BEACH — Authorities say the winner of a roach-eating contest in South Florida died shortly after downing dozens of the live bugs as well as worms. The grand prize in Friday night’s contest was a live python.

The Broward County Sheriff's Office says in a news release that it is waiting for an autopsy to give the official cause of death.

The release Monday said Edward Archbold, 32, became ill soon after winning and collapsed in front of the Ben Siegel Reptile Store where the contest was held. Mr. Archbold was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Police say several contestants ate insects but no one else became ill.

PENNSYLVANIA

Man dies during brawl at wedding receptions

PHILADELPHIA — A man was charged after a large brawl broke out among people attending two different wedding receptions in downtown Philadelphia during the weekend, police said Monday.

The fight, which was caught on video and quickly spread online, happened early Sunday at a hotel in the Society Hill neighborhood and involved dozens of people in their formal attire. A 57-year-old suffered a fatal heart attack outside the reception, police said, but authorities don’t know if he was involved in the fights. Dozens of police were called in to attempt to control the melee.

One of the people involved, Matthew Sofka, 26, of Westfield, N.J., was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and other counts in connection with the fight, said Lt. Raymond Evers, a Philadelphia police spokesman. Two other people were cited for disorderly conduct.

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