ABC News reports that nine more people have been infected in a nationwide fungal meningitis outbreak.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has raised the number of reported cases related to tainted steroid medication to 386 in 19 states. That tally includes 377 cases of fungal meningitis, and nine joint infections. The CDC says 28 of those who have been infected have died.
The tainted medication has been traced to the New England Compounding Center, a specialty pharmacy based in Massachusetts.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissue surrounding the spine or the brain. Unlike the more common viral and bacterial varieties, the meningitis in the current outbreak isn’t contagious. But it’s proven particularly devastating for those who are infected because the tainted medication is injected into the spine.
Although health officials haven’t yet determined how exactly the fungal contaminant made it into the sealed and supposedly sterile vials, though inspections found unsanitary conditions and inadequate testing procedures at the NECC.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also reported that bacteria was found in sealed vials of two other drugs made by the pharmacy — the steroid betamethasone and a cardioplegic solution that paralyzes the heart during open heart surgery.
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.
See the story here:
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/meningitis-outbreak-386-cases-28-deaths/story?id=17620484#.UJPNXWfoXJo
