RICHMOND, Va. — The number of suspected meningitis cases in Virginia linked to a tainted steroid has risen to 41.

The Virginia Department of Health lists that number on its website. The 41 cases include three West Virginia residents. Two deaths in Virginia have also been linked to the outbreak of the rare, potentially deadly fungal meningitis.

Nearly 700 people received the shots for back pain at outpatient medical centers in Roanoke and Christiansburg. The clinics where they received the shots and the state have worked to contact everyone who received the shot.

Symptoms of concern include headaches, fever, slurred speech and other signs of stroke-like conditions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported 23 deaths and more than 300 illnesses linked to a now-recalled steroid.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)