There are now 91 reported cases and 7 deaths for this rare fungal meningitis outbreak. Officials are still trying to track down all patients that might have had an epidural injection of tainted steroid in their back for back pain. This is not same type of epidural pregnant women get during childbirth. So, Aunties with sisters who have recently given birth take note that they are not at risk.
 
The following states that have reported cases are Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina, Indiana, Michigan, Virginia, Maryland, Minnesota, and Ohio. These cases have all been traced to a contamination of an injectable steroid called methylprednisolone, which was contaminated with common fungus called Aspergillus. The contaminated medication all came from one company, the New England Compounding in Massachusetts.
 
Aspergillus is a common fungus that can be found in indoor and outdoor environments. Most people breathe in Aspergillus spores everyday without being affected. Aspergillosis is a disease caused by this fungus and usually occurs in people with lung diseases or weakened immune systems, such as in HIV/AIDS or cancer patients on chemotherapy. The most common diseases caused by this fungal infection include allergic reactions and lung infections, however infections in other organs, such as fungal meningitis, is usually a rare occurrence in immune-compromised patients.
 
These cases of new fungal meningitis were older adults; however, they were healthy other than back pain. This epidural injection of steroid is used to decrease swelling and inflammation in the back. But steroids also blunt any immune response too, so it is especially dangerous to have the steroid contaminated with a fungus, which also makes it easier to contract the meningitis.
 
This normally, rare fungal meningitis is not contagious; it is an infection affecting the delicate membrane lining of brain and spinal cord. Symptoms are subtler than bacterial meningitis. Symptoms to watch out for include headache, dizziness, and nausea, as well as slurred speech similar to TIA or stroke. Symptoms occur about 1-4 weeks after injection. Diagnosis is made with a spinal tap. This very serious infection is sometimes hard to treat and requires prolonged high doses of IV antifungal medications (sometimes for months).
 
If any aunt or uncle has had this procedure done and is having any symptoms, contact your doctor right away!

Photo: arztsamui
Published: October 8, 2012