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WALNUT CREEK — State officials say they will attempt to shut down a pharmacy believed to be the source of cortisone shots tainted by meningitis that caused three deaths. 

The Attorney General’s Office filed a petition Tuesday alleging Doc’s Pharmacy in Walnut Creek used inadequate sterilization equipment and improperly used equipment, contributing to the May 11 contamination, the Contra Costa Times reported. 

Up to 38 people received the shots at two Contra Costa outpatient clinics.  

Of those, 13 were hospitalized following the injections, five of whom contracted meningitis, including the three that later died. Twenty-five other patients continue to be monitored and receive care. 

The petition alleges “gross negligence” by the pharmacy and its owner, Robert Horwitz. It says Horwitz did not supervise the technician who prepared the batch of shots and that she did not properly sterilize her hands. 

Horwitz is scheduled to appear before an administrative law judge in Oakland on Friday.  

Officials say they will seek to shut down the pharmacy and to suspend Horwitz’ pharmacy license until a hearing is held. 

“There has been a significant departure from the standard of care here that we believe poses an extreme threat to public health,” said Lloyd Paris, a deputy attorney general working on the case.