A Massachusetts Department of Public Health inspection report found dirty conditions likely to cause contamination at a pharmacy linked to a deadly meningitis outbreak, ABC News reports.
Inspectors found dirty floors and a leaky boiler at the New England Compounding Center. Although they have yet to determine how exactly the fungal contaminant got into vials of a steroid medication called methylprednisolone acetate, inspectors noted in their report that the conditions created an “environment susceptible to contaminant growth.”
Inspectors also reported improper use and maintenance of machines designed to kill potential contaminants. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Oct. 24 that 317 people in 17 states have contracted fungal meningitis or joint infections from the tainted shots, and 24 have died.
But as many as 14,000 patients may have received injections of the suspect steroid medication, which is commonly injected to treat back pain.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissue lining the brain and spinal cord.
Lopez McHugh is investigating cases related to this outbreak. If you or a loved one had an injection and were diagnosed with meningitis, you should consult with a Lopez McHugh lawyer for a free consultation.
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