CDC Leads Fight Against Meningitis Outbreak by Craig Schneider. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. October 11, 2012.
This article summarizes the efforts the CDC in Atlanta are taking to counteract the outbreak which has now claimed 12 lives. These efforts have recently resulted in the discovery that the there are two fungi involved in the tainted steroid used in pain injections. Also treatment protocols have been refined as the nature of the fungi has become clearer. Also, extensive efforts are ongoing to contact individuals who possibly received the steroid pain injections.
Showing posts with label Meningitis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Meningitis. Show all posts
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Contaminated Drugs Lead to 7 Meningitis Deaths
Death Toll From Meningitis Outbreak Now Stands at 7 by Steven Reinberg and Margaret Steele. U.S. News and World Report. October 7, 2012.
The rare type of meningitis, which is not contagious, seems to be associated with a steroid procedure called lumbar epidural steroid injection. The steroids used are suspected of contamination with a fungus usually found in a leaf mold. The compounding pharmacy in Framingham, Mass. which manufactured the steroid has shut down and ceased distributing the steroid. 75 health care facilities apparently received shipments from the firm. There may be more victims since it takes a month or more for the symptoms to appear. Compounding pharmacists make speciality drugs not made by large drug companies but are not subject to the same rigorous oversight such as the FDA.
The rare type of meningitis, which is not contagious, seems to be associated with a steroid procedure called lumbar epidural steroid injection. The steroids used are suspected of contamination with a fungus usually found in a leaf mold. The compounding pharmacy in Framingham, Mass. which manufactured the steroid has shut down and ceased distributing the steroid. 75 health care facilities apparently received shipments from the firm. There may be more victims since it takes a month or more for the symptoms to appear. Compounding pharmacists make speciality drugs not made by large drug companies but are not subject to the same rigorous oversight such as the FDA.
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