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Indiana - Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis and associated infections - CDC reports 73 cases; 9 deaths

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  • Indiana - Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis and associated infections - CDC reports 73 cases; 9 deaths

    The Indiana State Dept. of Health has not updated their website since Oct. 4th, so this information is from Indiana media only.

    "CDC: Meningitis death traced to Indiana"

    "One person has died of meningitis after receiving an injection at an Indiana clinic that contained a contaminated steroid.

    Another 21 people in Indiana have become ill with the fungal form of meningitis after receiving epidural shots to alleviate chronic back pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    ...In Indiana six clinics are known to have received the suspect medication, none of them in Indianapolis. The clinics involved here are the St. Mary?s Surgicare Cross Pointe in Evansville; Ft. Wayne Physical Medicine in Ft. Wayne; OSMC Outpatient Surgery Center in Elkhart; South Bend Clinic in South Bend; Union Hospital in Terre Haute; and Wellspring in Columbus.

    Franciscan St. Francis Health and Indiana University Health have issued statements saying that they did not dispense any of the problem steroids.

    ...State health officials say that 1,568 people underwent shots with the potentially contaminated materials at the six sites that did have the materials.

    The deceased person lived out of state but under the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, his or her death falls under Indiana, not the state of residence, state health officials said.

    They declined to provide any further information about the individual."
    Last edited by Emily; October 18, 2012, 03:42 AM. Reason: Title update



    "What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention, and a need to allocate that attention efficiently among the overabundance of information sources that might consume it." - Herbert Simon

    "The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government." - Sam Houston

  • #2
    Re: Indiana - Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis - 21 cases; 1 death

    Indiana now reporting 24 cases.

    "State: 24 Indiana meningitis cases tied to steroid"

    "A state health official says Indiana's confirmed cases of fungal meningitis linked to a tainted back pain medication have risen to 24.

    State Department of Health spokesman Ken Severson released the update Friday, a day after federal officials confirmed Indiana's first death from the illness."



    "What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention, and a need to allocate that attention efficiently among the overabundance of information sources that might consume it." - Herbert Simon

    "The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government." - Sam Houston

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Indiana - Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis - 24 cases; 1 death

      "Indiana sees second meningitis death"

      Published : Saturday, 13 Oct 2012, 3:13 PM EDT

      "INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A second person has died from fungal meningitis after receiving an injection in Indiana that's been linked to tainted steroids used for back pain, state and federal health officials said Saturday.

      The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the second death on its website Saturday and said three additional cases of the rare disease had been reported in Indiana, raising the state's total to 27. The outbreak has affected 13 states and caused 15 deaths nationwide.

      State Department of Health spokesman Ken Severson confirmed the CDC report but said he had no additional information about the death. He said was trying to determine whether the second death was an Indiana resident."



      "What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention, and a need to allocate that attention efficiently among the overabundance of information sources that might consume it." - Herbert Simon

      "The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government." - Sam Houston

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Indiana - Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis - 24 cases; 1 death

        Ind. has 2nd death from fungal meningitis outbreak

        Posted: Oct 13, 2012 2:10 PM CDT<NOSCRIPT orgfontsize="10.8px"></NOSCRIPT><!--END wnDate-->Updated: Oct 13, 2012 2:10 PM CDT<NOSCRIPT orgfontsize="10.8px"></NOSCRIPT><!--END wnDate--><!--END WNStoryHeader-->

        <!--END WNStoryRelatedBox-->
        INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Federal health officials say a second person has died from fungal meningitis after receiving an injection in Indiana that's been linked to a tainted back pain medication.

        The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on its website Saturday that Indiana's cases of the disease have risen to 27.

        A State Department of Health spokesman didn't return a phone call from The Associated Press seeking comment.

        The family of an 89-year-old southern Michigan woman said Thursday they believe she died of fungal meningitis after receiving two injections of the tainted drug at a northern Indiana clinic.

        ...
        "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
        -Nelson Mandela

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Indiana - Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis - 27 cases; 2 deaths

          The above case is local to me; her family lives in Bristol, IN. My sympathies to her family and to all of the others who are suffering through this.

          Pauline Burema was an active 89 year old; she lived on her farm by herself, was very active and volunteered at Elkhart General Hospital. Her picture and a video interview with her daughter are in the linked story.

          WSBT CBS 22 provides news, sports, entertainment and public interest programs to the South Bend, Indiana area including Mishawaka, Notre Dame, Granger, Osceola, Elkhart, Jimtown, Dunlap, New Carlisle, Goshen, Middlebury, Bristol, New Paris, Nappanee, Howe, Lagrange, Topeka, Bourbon, Milford, Syracuse, North Webster, Warsaw, Bremen, Plymouth, Walkerton, Argos, Tippecanoe, Culver, Grovertown, Delong, Rochester, Akron, Winamac, North Judson, LaPorte, North Liberty, Wakarusa, Lapaz, Millersburg, Knox, and Michigan City, Indiana – and these areas of Michigan: St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Buchanan, Niles, Three Oaks, New Buffalo, Harbert, Bridgeman, Stevensville, Watervliet, Berrien Springs, Dowagiac, Marcellus, Cassopolis, Decatur, Vandalia, Constantine, White Pigeon, Galien and Edwardsburg.
          The salvage of human life ought to be placed above barter and exchange ~ Louis Harris, 1918

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Indiana - Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis - 27 cases; 2 deaths

            CDC: Indiana fungal meningitis cases rise 1 to 28

            October 15, 2012 10:18AM

            "Indiana now has 28 cases of fungal meningitis linked to injections of a steroid used to treat back pain.

            The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the new case on Sunday. It previously had said Indiana had 27 cases, including two deaths."



            "What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention, and a need to allocate that attention efficiently among the overabundance of information sources that might consume it." - Herbert Simon

            "The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government." - Sam Houston

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Indiana - Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis - 28 cases; 2 deaths

              Indiana fungal meningitis count rises to 32, agency says

              "Indiana has two more cases of fungal meningitis linked to injections of a recalled back pain steroid, bringing the state's total to 32.

              The Indiana State Department of Health reported the new cases Wednesday. Two Indiana patients have died.

              The state agency has released no details about the two deaths or the clinics they're linked to. Its policy is to withhold details about where the Indiana cases are located."



              "What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention, and a need to allocate that attention efficiently among the overabundance of information sources that might consume it." - Herbert Simon

              "The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government." - Sam Houston

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Indiana - Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis - 32 cases; 2 deaths

                "Ind. agency: State has 34 fungal meningitis cases"

                "Indiana has two more cases of fungal meningitis linked to injections of a recalled back pain steroid, bringing the state's total to 34.

                The Indiana State Department of Health reported the new cases Wednesday. Two Indiana patients have died.

                The state agency has released no details about the two deaths or the clinics they're linked to. Its policy is to withhold details about where the Indiana cases are located."



                "What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention, and a need to allocate that attention efficiently among the overabundance of information sources that might consume it." - Herbert Simon

                "The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government." - Sam Houston

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Indiana - Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis - 34 cases; 2 deaths

                  "CDC raises number of Indiana meningitis cases to 38"

                  "The number of fungal meningitis cases linked to injections of a recalled back pain medication has risen to 38 in Indiana.

                  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported one additional case on its website Sunday. Two Indiana patients have died.

                  The Indiana State Department of Health has released no details about the two deaths or the clinics they're linked to. Six Indiana clinics received the tainted steroids."
                  Last edited by Catbird; October 21, 2012, 02:35 PM. Reason: fix link



                  "What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention, and a need to allocate that attention efficiently among the overabundance of information sources that might consume it." - Herbert Simon

                  "The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government." - Sam Houston

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Indiana - Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis - 40 cases; 2 deaths

                    Indiana health officials report 40 meningitis cases linked to recalled back pain medication

                    State reports 2 deaths

                    Posted: 10/22/2012
                    Last Updated: 16 minutes ago

                    INDIANAPOLIS - The number of fungal meningitis cases linked to injections of a recalled back pain medication has risen to 40 in Indiana.

                    Two Indiana patients have died. The Indiana State Department of Health has released no details about the two deaths or the clinics they're linked to. Six Indiana clinics received the tainted steroids.

                    ...
                    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                    -Nelson Mandela

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Indiana - Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis - 40 cases; 2 deaths

                      "Indiana has 3rd fungal meningitis death, 41st case"

                      "Health officials say Indiana has a third death from fungal meningitis linked to injections of a recalled back pain medication, and the total number of cases in the state has risen to 41.

                      The latest death was an Indiana resident, which brings the state's total to two residents who have died, and one out-of-state resident who received the injection in Indiana.

                      The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated the Indiana cases and deaths on its website Wednesday.

                      The CDC and the Indiana State Department of Health hasn't released any information on where the cases are located in the state."



                      "What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention, and a need to allocate that attention efficiently among the overabundance of information sources that might consume it." - Herbert Simon

                      "The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government." - Sam Houston

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Indiana - Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis - 40 cases; 2 deaths

                        ELKHART ? A third death attributed to a multistate fungal meningitis outbreak has been confirmed in Elkhart County.
                        ...
                        here are 40 reported cases of fungal meningitis in Indiana, including 28 in Elkhart County.
                        ...


                        ************
                        ELKHART ? An Elkhart man infected by fungal meningitis is taking action against a pharmaceutical company that distributed batches of contaminated medications.

                        Nathan Owen Tacy is one of 271 people across the county who developed an infection after receiving tainted steroid injections that were given in 16 states. Tacy filed suit Monday against drug manufacturer New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Mass., and two affiliated companies, Ameridose LLC and Alaunus Pharmaceutical LLC.
                        ...


                        ***************

                        ELKHART ?
                        ...
                        Medical staff at the (Elkhart General) hospital have been caring for patients around the clock since the beginning of October after they were exposed to a tainted batch of steroids used to relieve back pain at OSMC Outpatient Surgery Center in Elkhart. As of Tuesday, there were 10 people recovering from fungal meningitis at EGH, and about 17 other patients have been discharged.
                        ...
                        it?s not everyday that a new disorder comes along, and so I think that?s the most remarkable thing,? (Elkhart County health officer Dr. Dan) Nafziger said. ?It?s really a different problem than what we?ve seen, even though we see fungal infections and we?ve seen meningitis. Both of those problems are relatively uncommon, and to see this particular kind of fungal meningitis is extraordinary.?
                        ...
                        The salvage of human life ought to be placed above barter and exchange ~ Louis Harris, 1918

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Indiana - Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis - 40 cases; 2 deaths

                          "Indiana now has 45 cases of fungal meningitis, with one teen returning to school"

                          "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday increased the number of Indiana cases of fungal meningitis to 45, one more than previously reported. The number of deaths in Indiana remains three, and Elkhart County's health officer has said all are linked to the northern Indiana County.

                          Meanwhile, a northern Indiana teenager who has recovered from fungal meningitis is expected to return to school this week, her mother said on Monday.

                          Tracy Klemm said her daughter, Karissa, was diagnosed October 11 with fungal meningitis after a visit to the emergency room for a lingering headache, nausea and a stiff neck. She said that Karissa apparently contracted the disease from an injection to relieve pain from a herniated disc.

                          According to Karissa?s mother, the OSMC Outpatient Surgery Center in Elkhart telephoned the family in late September and informed them that Karissa had received an injection from a tainted batch of steroids.

                          "She had had a headache that week, and it started to get very worse," Klemm said.

                          After a spinal tap confirmed Karissa had meningitis, she was admitted to the hospital, where she spent the next 10 days.

                          Her mother said that the Northridge High School sophomore is expected to return to school Wednesday following another checkup.

                          The Indiana State Department of Health has said that six Indiana clinics received the tainted steroids, which were made at the New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Massachusetts. The compounding pharmacy has since recalled all its products and shut down.

                          In addition to the OSMC Outpatient Surgery Center in Elkhart, the tainted steroid also went to clinics in Columbus, Evansville, Fort Wayne, South Bend and Terre Haute."



                          "What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention, and a need to allocate that attention efficiently among the overabundance of information sources that might consume it." - Herbert Simon

                          "The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government." - Sam Houston

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Indiana - Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis - 40 cases; 2 deaths

                            Indiana fungal meningitis cases rise to 49

                            "Indiana now has 49 cases of fungal meningitis linked to injections of a recalled back pain medication.

                            Health officials said Thursday that there were still three deaths from the disease linked to Indiana. Elkhart County's health officer has said all three deaths are linked to the northern Indiana county.

                            The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated the count on its website Thursday.

                            The Indiana State Department of Health has said six Indiana clinics received the tainted steroids, including the OSMC Outpatient Surgery Center in Elkhart. The tainted medication also went to clinics in Columbus, Evansville, Fort Wayne, South Bend and Terre Haute."



                            "What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention, and a need to allocate that attention efficiently among the overabundance of information sources that might consume it." - Herbert Simon

                            "The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government." - Sam Houston

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Indiana - Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis - 40 cases; 2 deaths

                              State Health Officials Assisting With Ameridose Recall

                              Start Date:
                              11/1/2012
                              ...
                              Entry Description

                              INDIANAPOLIS?The Indiana State Department of Health is working with hospitals, clinics, local health departments and health care providers to ensure all products from Ameridose, LLC, are removed from circulation following a national recall yesterday. Ameridose is a sister company to the New England Compounding Center (NECC), which produced the contaminated methylprednisolone acetate linked to the recent outbreak of fungal meningitis.

                              The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced late Thursday, Oct. 31, that Ameridose, LLC, based in Westborough, Mass., is voluntarily recalling all of its unexpired products. The decision to recall the products came after preliminary findings during an inspection of the facility concluded a lack of sterility assurance for products produced and distributed by Ameridose, LLC. Products from Ameridose are identified with the Ameridose name or logo.

                              ?The State Health Department has been in contact with state health entities concerning this latest recall,? said State Health Commissioner Gregory N. Larkin, M.D. ?We want to ensure that every type of product produced by the company is removed from circulation and to help find suitable replacements for use in Indiana.?

                              This recall is not based on reports of patients with infections associated with any of Ameridose?s products, rather it was recommended by the FDA out of an abundance of caution. The Indiana State Department of Health?s Surveillance and Investigation Division is actively monitoring the recall in Indiana in conjunction with the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

                              Additionally, the FDA announced bacterial contamination was found in three lots of betamethasone (injectable steroid) and one lot of cardioplegia solution (used in heart surgery). These drugs were manufactured by NECC of Framingham, Mass., and were previously recalled as an extension of the fungal meningitis recall. The products have not been in circulation since Oct. 6, 2012 and there have been no reports of infections nationwide, but patients who received an injection of betamethasone or who were exposed to cardioplegia solution during heart surgery should see their health care provider if they develop any unusual symptoms.

                              A list of all recalled products can be found at the FDA (www.fda.gov) and Ameridose (www.ameridose.com) websites. Information on the fungal meningitis outbreak can be found on the CDC (www.cdc.gov) website.
                              For more information about the fungal meningitis outbreak in Indiana, visit the Indiana State Department of Health?s website at www.StateHealth.in.gov.

                              "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                              -Nelson Mandela

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