The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says the Massachusetts pharmacy linked to a deadly meningitis outbreak was aware it had mold and bacteria contamination – including in the “clean rooms” where supposedly sterile drugs are made. Yet the New England Compounding Center repeatedly failed to take action, according to an article in the Washington Post.
The current outbreak of meningitis – an inflammation of the tissue lining the brain and the spinal cord – was caused by fungus contaminating a steroid medication that the NECC manufactured.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the outbreak is now responsible for 354 cases and 25 deaths in 19 states.
The Washington Post reports that the NECC’s internal monitoring program showed mold or bacterial contamination at more than 80 locations in the first nine months of 2012. In most of the cases, the company’s own testing showed bacteria and mold above its “action” limits.
But in the course of inspections that took place following the outbreak, the FDA found no evidence that the pharmacy took action.
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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