Fungal Meningitis Associated with Contaminated Epidural Injections

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is investigating the outbreak of fungal meningitis across the country. This fungal meningitis is the result of a contaminated epidural steroid injection called methylprednisolone acetate which was produced by the New England Compounding Center (NECC), a pharmacy in Framington, Massachusetts. There have been well over 100 known cases in many states. Tragically there have also been many deaths. NECC has issued a recall of these injections, but it is expected that the outbreak of Fungal Meningitis will expand.

There were no shipments of the contaminated injections shipped to Kentucky, however, neighboring states (Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Illinois, West Virginia and Virginia) all have healthcare facilities that received the methylprednisolone acetate epidural steroid injections. The list of healthcare facilities receiving the contaminated injections is below.

The contaminated shipments of steroid injections took place beginning on May 21, 2012. As of September 26, 2012 New England Compounding Center voluntarily recalled all of these injections. Doctors at these facilities have been contacting their patients who were potentially exposed to the contaminated epidural steroid injections. Symptoms of Fungal Meningitis may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Stiff Neck
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Altered mental state

Fungal Meningitis is not contagious. It is spread from a fungus through the blood to the spinal canal. People most at risk are those with weakened immune systems, including AIDS and cancer patients. There are treatment options that include intravenous therapy. If you think you have received the spinal steroid injections from one of the treatment centers listed, contact a doctor immediately.