Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis and associated infections: 25 cases; 3 deaths

[Pathfinder]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: DOH Communications
October 4, 2012 Press Office: (850) 245-4111

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH INVESTIGATING MENINGITIS OUTBREAK
- Multi-state meningitis investigation ongoing-

TALLAHASSEE
- The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state partners and other states on the meningitis outbreak associated with epidural (spinal) injection of methylprednisolone. DOH is currently investigating two confirmed cases in Marion County (87 year old male and a 65 year old female.) DOH will continue our work with Florida health care facilities in receipt of the contaminated drug to determine if there are additional potential cases. ?Our Department has asked the facilities to contact all patients who may have been treated with the implicated product to
identify patients with neurologic illness in need of testing and treatment,? said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. ?Rest assured that this outbreak is not contagious and we will continue our work with all stakeholders to ensure that Florida?s residents and visitors are safe.?
...

http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/wp-content/uploads/newsroom/2011/08/10412meningitis.pdf
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: DOH Communications
October 5, 2012 Jessica Hammonds or Ashley Carr
(850) 245-4111

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IDENTIFIES FACILITIES THAT HAVE RECEIVED CONTAMINATED PAIN MEDICATION
DOH and DBPR working with eight facilities in Florida-

TALLAHASSEE
- The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state partners and other states on the meningitis outbreak associated with spinal injections of methylprednisolone for back pain. To date, eight facilities in Florida have been identified as having received shipments from one or more of the CDC-identified contaminated lot numbers of this medication. DOH is currently working with Florida health care facilities in receipt of the contaminated drug to determine if there are additional potential cases. DOH and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) are working to ensure that this medication is quarantined for reverse distribution in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC recall procedures.

Florida identified facilities:

Florida Pain Clinic, Ocala, FL
Interventional Rehab Center, Pensacola, FL
Marion Pain Management Center, Ocala, FL
North County Surgicenter, Palm Beach, FL
Orlando Center for Outpatient Surgery, Orlando, FL
Pain Consultants of West Florida, Pensacola, FL
Surgery Center of Ocala, Ocala, FL
Surgical Park Center, Miami, FL

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation?s Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics Division recommends that all remaining Methylprednisolone Acetate received from the New England Compounding Center (NECC) in Lot Nos. 05212012@68, 06292012@26 and 08102012@51 be quarantined immediately and returned in accordance with FDA recall procedures. Any patients known or suspected to have been injected with products in these three lots should be evaluated immediately for infection and subsequently monitored or treated as necessary.

DOH and DBPR strongly endorse FDA?s recommendation that all practitioners, pharmacies and clinics discontinue use of all NECC products until and unless CDC and FDA can make determinations indicating that the products are safe.
...

http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/wp-content/uploads/newsroom/2011/08/10512MngtsFac1.pdf

http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/

 

[Pathfinder]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: DOH Communications,
October 6, 2012

JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION ON THE MENINGITIS OUTBREAK

Based on the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) strongly advise all Florida health care facilities and practitioners to stop using any products from the New England Compounding Center (NECC). These products should be pulled from shelves immediately and not used unless the CDC and the FDA make determinations that the products are safe.

This recommendation is in addition to the recall of three lots of NECC Methylprednisolone Acetate received in Lot Nos. 05212012@68,
06292012@26 and 08102012@51 which should be returned in accordance with FDA recall procedures. These three lots have been associated with Aspergillus meningitis following epidural back injections. These medications are not used for epidural analgesia in labor and delivery. This meningitis is not contagious and cannot be spread from person-to-person.

Any patients known or suspected to have received back injections with NECC Methylprednisolone Acetate from the suspected lots
should be evaluated immediately by their health care professional and monitored or treated as necessary. The departments have notified all eight Florida facilities who received contaminated Methylprednisolone Acetate, and all suspected lots have been removed. The departments continue to communicate jointly to all other facilities that may have any products from the NECC. Facilities and practitioners should immediately stop using any NECC products until the CDC and the FDA make determinations that the products are safe.

We will continue to update our websites at
http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/ or
www.myfloridalicense.com and have set up a toll-free hotline at 1-866-523-7339 for those who may have additional questions.

To view FDA?s product list as of Oct. 6, please visit:
http://www.fda.gov/DRUGS/DRUGSAFETY/ucm322752.htm.

Symptoms to look for:

Infected patients have presented approximately one to four weeks following their injections with a variety of symptoms including but not limited to: fever, new or worsening headache, neck pain, nausea and/or new symptoms consistent with a stroke (including weakness on one side of the body and slurred speech). Some of these symptoms may be mild, yet should still be reported to a health care professional.

When to contact your health care practitioner:

If individuals are experiencing any of these symptoms and have had back steroid injections since July 1, 2012, they should contact their health care professional immediately or seek attention in the emergency room.

The Division of Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics safeguards the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the state of Florida from injury due to the use of adulterated, contaminated or misbranded drugs, drug ingredients and cosmetics by administering the provisions of the Florida Drug and Cosmetic Act (Chapter 499, F.S.).

http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/wp-content/uploads/newsroom/2012/10/100512NECCFormatted1.pdf

FLORIDA FACILITIES WHO HAVE NECC PRODUCTS (LIST)
http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/wp-...m/2012/10/10-06-12-FLORIDA-LIST-WITH-NECC.pdf

 

[Giuseppe]

[Source: Florida Department of Health, full PDF document: (LINK). Edited.]


October 7, 2012

Rick Scott, Governor / John H. Armstrong, MD, FACS, State Surgeon General / Office of the State Surgeon General, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A00 ? Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1701, Phone: (850) 245-4444 ? Fax: (850) 922-9453 ? http://www.floridashealth.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / Contact: DOH Communications Hue Reynolds (850) 528- 8881 or Ashley Carr (850) 688-3143

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATE: NEW ENGLAND COMPOUNDING CENTER VOLUNTARY PRODUCT RECALL

~NECC, the company associated with the meningitis outbreak, has recalled its entire product line~



TALLAHASSEE- A precautionary voluntary recall of all New England Compounding Center (NECC) products distributed since January 2012 has been issued by the company, in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This recall is in addition to the October 5th recall of the three contaminated lots of NECC methylprednisolone acetate used for epidural back injections.

The numbered contaminated lots are 05212012@68, 06292012@26 and 08102012@51.

These lots have been associated with a non-contagious fungal meningitis outbreak. All contaminated lots and NECC products should be returned in accordance with FDA recall procedures.

"We continue to be vigilant in our efforts to protect the health and safety of Floridians,? said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. ?We are working in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), our health partners and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to ensure that no NECC medications are present in any health care setting in Florida."

The CDC has expanded the timeline and scope of injection risk to include any patients known or suspected to have received back or joint injections with the suspect lots of NECC methylprednisolone acetate since May 21, 2012. If symptomatic, these patients should be evaluated immediately by their health care professional and monitored or treated as necessary.

Patients without symptoms should be evaluated by their health care professionals as soon as possible.

This meningitis cannot be spread from person to person. At this time, there has not been a case of septic arthritis related to contaminated steroid joint injections.

Florida health professional associations are also assisting with disseminating updated public health information to their members and patients.

Of the eight Florida facilities identified as having received shipments of the three contaminated steroid lots, two have stated that they have not used these medications (Interventional Rehab Center in Pensacola and North County Surgicenter in Palm Beach).

The remaining six facilities are:

• Florida Pain Clinic, Ocala, FL
• Marion Pain Management Center, Ocala, FL
• Orlando Center for Outpatient Surgery, Orlando, FL
• Pain Consultants of West Florida, Pensacola, FL
• Surgery Center of Ocala, Ocala, FL
• Surgical Park Center, Miami, FL

Symptoms to look for:

Infected patients have presented approximately one to four weeks following their injections with a variety of symptoms including but not limited to: fever, new or worsening headache, neck pain, nausea and/or new symptoms consistent with a stroke (including weakness on one side of the body and slurred speech). Some of these symptoms may be mild, yet should still be reported to a health care professional.



Background:

As of 2 PM October 7, the CDC lists 91 cases and seven deaths of meningitis across nine states linked to contaminated steroidal injections of methylprednisolone acetate. Four of these patients are in Florida, and all four reside in Marion County.

The Florida Department of Health and DBPR?s Devices, Drugs, and Cosmetics (DDC) program will continue to notify all Florida health care facilities and practitioners of this expanded list of NECC recalled products.

The staff of these facilities will continue contacting patients who have received these injections since May 21, 2012.

We will continue to update our websites at http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/ or www.myfloridalicense.com and have set up a toll-free hotline at 1-866-523-7339 for those who may have additional questions.

To view FDA?s product list as of Oct. 7, please visit: http://www.fda.gov/DRUGS/DRUGSAFETY/ucm322752.htm.

To view the CDC?s list of Florida facilities involved, please visit http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/wp-ontent/uploads/newsroom/2012/10/10-06-12-FLORIDA-LIST-WITH-NECC.pdf.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, & community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For news story ideas, interviews, videos and more from DOH Communications visit the DOH Online Newsroom.


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[Catbird]

Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 7 cases; 2 deaths

Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 7 cases; 2 deaths

Florida Department of Health
Division of Disease Control and Health Protection

Multistate Fungal Meningitis Outbreak

Toll Free Meningitis Hotline: 1-866-523-7339


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are currently coordinating a multistate investigation of fungal meningitis among patients who received a steroid injection with a potentially contaminated product. In several patients, the meningitis was found to be caused by a fungus that is common in the environment but rarely causes meningitis. This form of meningitis is not contagious. At this point, the original source of the outbreak has not been determined. However, injectable steroid medication has been linked to the outbreak.

Several cases of illness have been reported in Florida to date and a response is being coordinated between local public health departments, the eight Florida facilities in receipt of the recalled product and the state Florida Department of Health.


All infected patients identified thus far have received preservative-free (PF) methylprednisolone acetate (80mg/ml) from among the lots voluntarily recalled by the New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Massachusetts. The products were recalled on on September 26, 2012. These lots are:

Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #05212012@68, by use date (BUD) 11/17/2012

Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #06292012@26, BUD 12/26/2012

Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #08102012@51, BUD 2/6/2013

Map 1: Number of Outbreak-Associated Fungal Meningitis Cases by County
There are six cases, with one dealth, of persons with meningitis linked to epidural steroid injections, as of October 10, 2012.

Total Number of Cases: 6

Map 2: Map of Florida Healthcare Facilities which Received Implicated Lots* of Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) Recalled from New England Compounding Center on September 27, 2012

*Lot #05212012@68, by use date (BUD) 11/17/2012; Lot #06292012@26, BUD 12/26/2012; Lot #08102012@51, BUD 2/6/2013


List of Florida Health Care Facility which Received Any Products Recalled from the New England Compounding Center

FLORIDA PAIN CLINIC 352-237-5906 OCALA FL
INTERVENTIONAL REHAB CENTER 850-484-8800 PENSACOLA FL
MARION PAIN MANAGEMENT CENTER 352-622-1845 OCALA FL
NORTH COUNTY SURGICENTER 561-626-6446 PALM BEACH GARDEN FL
ORLANDO CENTER FOR OUTPATIENT SURGERY 407-426-8331 ORLANDO FL
PAIN CONSULTANTS OF WEST FLORIDA 850-494-0000 PENSACOLA FL
SURGERY CENTER OF OCALA 352-237-5906 OCALA FL
SURGICAL PARK CENTER 305-271-9100 X226 MIAMI FL


Resources:

CDC Health Alert Network (HAN): Multistate Outbreak of Meningitis and Stroke Associated with Potentially Contaminated Steroid Medication (October 8, 2012)


Florida Health Alert Network: Guidance Document for Clinicians (October 7, 2012)

Health Alert Network (HAN): Meningitis and Stroke Associated with Potentially Contaminated Product (October 4, 2012)


Interim Treatment Guidance for Central Nervous System and/or Parameningeal Infections Associated with Injection of Potentially Contaminated Steroid Products (CDC)


Frequently Asked Questions for Clinicians: Multistate Meningitis Outbreak Investigation (CDC)


Role of Antifungal Prophylaxis in Asymptomatic Patients (CDC)

Lumber Puncture in Asymptomatic Patients (CDC)


For County Health Departments:

Multistate Meningitis Cluster Case Report Form (coming soon)


Case Definitions: Multi-state Outbreak Associated with Injection of Potentially Contaminated Steroid Product

CDC Website on Fungal Diseases


FDA Statement on Fungal Meningitis Outbreak

For up-to-date national information regarding the outbreak, visit the CDC Outbreak Investigation Page.

For a complete list of FDOH press releases, please visit the Florida Department of Health Online Newsroom.

 

[Catbird]

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 7 cases; 2 deaths

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 7 cases; 2 deaths

Florida Department of Health Update


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: DOH Communications
October 11, 2012 Jessica Hammonds, (850) 245-4111

SECOND CONFIRMED DEATH IN MENINGITIS OUTBREAK
~Florida has second death and additional case associated with contaminated steroid injections~


TALLAHASSEE ? The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed that an 83-year oldman in Marion County has died as a result of the fungal meningitis outbreak, which is the second fatality in the state. The individual was injected with one of the contaminated lots of New
England Compounding Center (NECC) methylprednisolone acetate used for epidural back injections. In addition, the total meningitis case count in the state has increased to seven with an additional 48 year old male receiving treatment in Marion County.

?Our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends during this very difficult time,? said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. ?Across the country we are seeing the number of cases increase so it is not unexpected that Florida's case count will rise.
The Department is working closely with the Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics Division in the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to ensure that visitors and residents in Florida are safe.?

Nationwide, the number of cases of fungal meningitis since the outbreak is 138 with 13 deaths across 10 states. DOH will continue to update our websites at http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/ or http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/. We have set up a toll-free hotline at 1-866-523-7339 for those who may have additional questions.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 7 cases; 2 deaths

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 7 cases; 2 deaths

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROVIDES UPDATE ON MENINGITIS OUTBREAK

Tallahassee – Today, October 12, 2012, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr.
John Armstrong will host a media call regarding the multi-state meningitis outbreak related to
contaminated injections.

A conference call line has been established for members of the media who wish to participate.

WHAT: Update on Meningitis Outbreak

WHEN: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. EDT – Friday, October 12, 2012

CALL INFORMATION: Dial: 1-800-688-0796

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 9 cases; 2 deaths

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 9 cases; 2 deaths

Notes:

Florida announced 2 more cases of fungal meningitis for a total of 9.

So far Florida has reached 96% of the persons who are known to have taken the shot.

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 9 cases; 2 deaths

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 9 cases; 2 deaths

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: DOH Communications

October 12, 2012 Jessica Hammonds, Press Secretary
(850) 245-4111

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROVIDES MENINGITIS UPDATE
~Florida cases of fungal meningitis increases~

TALLAHASSEE ? The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed two more cases from Marion County associated with contaminated steroid injections, a 52 year old woman and a 79 year old woman, both receiving treatment from the Marion County Pain Management Center. They were injected with one of the contaminated lots of New England Compounding
Center (NECC) methylprednisolone acetate used for epidural back injections. This brings the total meningitis case count in the state to nine, including two fatalities. ?We remain concerned about patients who received contaminated steroid injections in the back at six centers in Florida,? said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. ?Our work is ongoing to ensure that all patients potentially affected by these injections are contacted to seek medical attention. This fungal meningitis is not contagious and
cannot be passed person-to-person.?

Nationwide, the number of cases of fungal meningitis related to contaminated steroid injections is 170 with 14 deaths across 11 states.

DOH will continue to update our websites at http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/ or http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/. We have set up a toll-free hotline at 1-866-523-7339 for those who may have additional questions.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.
###

http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/wp-content/uploads/newsroom/2012/10/101212meningitisupdatepr.pdf

 

[Catbird]

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 9 cases; 2 deaths

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 9 cases; 2 deaths

Florida now has a 10th case.

Fungal Meningitis Cases Increase In Florida

Story Created: Oct 13, 2012 at 10:47 AM

"The Florida Department of Health has confirmed that Escambia County has one case of fungal meningitis associated with contaminated steroid injections from the New England Compounding Center (NECC) methylprednisolone acetate used for epidural back injections.

A 47 year old man who received treatment from Pain Consultants of West Florida was injected with one of the contaminated lots. This is the 10th case of fungal meningitis in Florida.

?We continue to urge those who may have received steroid injections from any of the six facilities in the state to consult a health care professional,? said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong.

?This situation remains unfortunate, and although this fungal meningitis is not contagious, we do anticipate more patients will be affected as our investigation continues.?"

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 10 cases; 2 deaths

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 10 cases; 2 deaths

2 more people diagnosed with fungal meningitis

12:53 p.m. EDT, October 16, 2012

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) ? Two more Floridians have been diagnosed with fungal meningitis after receiving contaminated steroid injections.

The Department of Health said Tuesday that a 74-year-old woman who was treated in Marion County and a 79-year-old woman who received the injection in Escambia County are the latest cases.

So far, 12 people in Florida have contracted fungal meningitis. Two of those people have died.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...tis-outbreak-florida-20121016,0,1098021.story

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 12 cases; 2 deaths

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 12 cases; 2 deaths

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: DOH Communications
October 16, 2012 Jessica Hammonds, (850) 245-4111

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COLLABORATES WITH HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS IN ONGOING FUNGAL MENINGITIS OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION ~New FDA guidance urges patient outreach~

TALLAHASSEE ? The Florida Department of Health (DOH) continues to work in partnership with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control in the evolving investigation of the multi-state fungal meningitis outbreak associated with New England Compounding Center (NECC) contaminated steroids. The FDA now questions the sterility of any injectable drugs, including drugs used in conjunction with eye surgery and open heart surgery, produced by NECC.

Based on new guidance from the FDA and with an abundance of caution, DOH is advising healthcare professionals to follow-up with patients at a minimum by letter, who received any NECC medication, after May 21, 2012, and to alert these patients to the potential risk of infection at the site of injection or adjacent tissue space.

?As the ongoing federal investigation has expanded to all NECC injectable products, we strongly urge all Florida health care professionals and health care facilities that used NECC products to alert patients to the possibility of infection,? said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. ?Any patient who received an NECC medication after May 21, 2012, and who has symptoms of infection, should seek medical attention immediately. At this time, the risk to public health is uncertain; we remain vigilant to ensure that the public is aware of this concern.?

The NECC, in coordination with the FDA, the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, initially recalled three lots of methylprednisolone acetate principally used for epidural back injections on Sept. 25. The recall notice was expanded to include 12 injectable products from NECC on Oct. 5. With FDA guidance, NECC voluntarily recalled all NECC medications on Oct. 6. On Oct. 15, the FDA issued a MedWatch Alert advising health care professionals and facilities to conduct outreach to any patient who may have received any injectable NECC medications, including those used in eye or heart surgeries, since May 21, 2012. DOH continues to collaborate with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, professional medical associations, and affected clinics to ensure that NECC medications are recalled appropriately in Florida.

The signs and symptoms of meningitis related to epidural NECC medication injections include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, and altered mental status. Symptoms for other possible infections related to NECC medications include fever; swelling, increasing pain, redness, warmth at injection site; vision changes, pain, redness or discharge from the eye; chest pain, or drainage from the surgical site (infection within the chest).
DOH will continue to update our website at http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/. We have set up a toll-free hotline at 1-866-523-7339 for those who may have additional questions. To view the FDA?s list of NECC products, please visit http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm322979.htm.
...

http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/wp-content/uploads/newsroom/2012/10/101612meningitisupdate.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 13 cases; 3 deaths

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 13 cases; 3 deaths

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: DOH Communications October 17, 2012 Jessica Hammonds, (850) 245-4111

FLORIDA CONFIRMS THIRD DEATH IN MENINGITIS OUTBREAK ~New case also added to state?s total count~

TALLAHASSEE ? The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a third death as a result of the fungal meningitis outbreak associated with contaminated steroids. A 78-year old man previously identified in Marion County, has died as a result of an injection from one of the contaminated lots of New England Compounding Center (NECC) methylprednisolone acetate. In addition, a 13th case has been confirmed in the state. A 28 year old woman receiving treatment from Pain Consultants of West Florida in Escambia County is the state?s newest case.

?One death is too many. We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones during this challenging time,? said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. ?We remain focused on contacting all patients who may have received contaminated NECC steroid injections to ensure that they receive appropriate medical attention.?

All contaminated lots of NECC steroid injections in Florida have been returned in accordance with FDA recall procedures.

DOH will continue to update our website at http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/ for the latest information in this ongoing investigation. We have also set up a toll-free hotline at 1-866-523-7339 for those who may have additional questions.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/wp-content/uploads/newsroom/2011/08/101712meningitisthirddeath.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 13 cases; 3 deaths

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 13 cases; 3 deaths

Third death reported in Marion County from fungal meningitis

By Fred Hiers
Staff writer
Published: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at 3:26 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at 3:26 p.m.

...
The man was the 13th confirmed person with the disease in Florida ? 10 in Marion County and three in Escambia County. All three deaths were in Marion County.

Armstrong said the man received an injection of the contaminated steroid methylprednisolone acetate on Aug. 28 and began reporting symptoms on Oct. 6. He received his injection at the Marion Pain Management Center in Ocala.

The average age of the people in the confirmed Florida cases is 72 and the average incubation time from the time of injection of the contaminated steroid to the onset of symptoms is 23 days, Armstrong said.
...
Eight Florida medical facilities received the tainted steroid. Of the eight, six injected doses into 1,038 patients. All but 11 patients have been notified of the health risks.
...
More than 140 people in Marion County injected with the tainted steroid have gone to area hospitals. Sixteen remain hospitalized.

Asked during Wednesday?s teleconference about the effectiveness of the anti-fungal medicines doctors are using to treat sick patients, Armstrong said only that the treatment is recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
...

Full text:
http://www.ocala.com/article/20121017/ARTICLES/121019741

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 17 cases; 3 deaths

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 17 cases; 3 deaths

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: DOH Communications
October 19, 2012 Jessica Hammonds, (850) 245-4111

FOUR ADDITIONAL CASES CONFIRMED IN FLORIDA ~Statewide total increases to 17~

TALLAHASSEE ? As a result of the ongoing investigation of the fungal meningitis outbreak associated with contaminated lots of methylprednisolone acetate, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) today confirmed four additional cases. A 53 year old woman who received
treatment at Pain Consultants of West Florida in Escambia County, and three women in Marion County: a 69 year old woman and a 71 year old woman who both received treatment at the Florida Pain Clinic and a 73 year old woman who received treatment at the Marion Pain Management Center.

"We care about every patient, family, and community affected by this outbreak in the aftermath of contaminated NECC steroid injections,? said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. ?All patient settings in Florida are free of these contaminated steroids, and we will continue to assist our federal and state counterparts to ensure that NECC products are not available in any healthcare facility and practice in Florida."

On Sept. 25, the NECC, in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, initially recalled three lots of methylprednisolone acetate principally used for epidural back injections. These contaminated lots have been implicated in the nationwide fungal meningitis outbreak.

The expanded recall notice on Oct. 5 included 12 injectable products from NECC. With FDA guidance, NECC voluntarily recalled all NECC medications on Oct. 6. The FDA also issued a MedWatch Alert on Oct. 15 advising health care professionals and facilities to conduct outreach to any patient who may have received any injectable NECC medications, including those used in eye or heart surgeries, since May 21, 2012. DOH continues to collaborate with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, professional medical associations and affected clinics to ensure that NECC medications are recalled appropriately in Florida.

The signs and symptoms of meningitis related to epidural NECC medication injections include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light and altered mental status. Symptoms for other possible infections related to NECC medications include fever; swelling, increasing pain, redness, warmth at injection site; vision changes, pain, redness or discharge from the eye; chest pain, or drainage from the surgical site (infection within the chest).

DOH will continue to update our website at http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/. We have set up a toll-free hotline at 1-866-523-7339 for those who may have additional questions. To view the FDA?s list of NECC products, please visit http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm322979.htm.

http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/wp-content/uploads/newsroom/2012/10/101912fourconfirmeddeaths.pdf

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http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/wp-content/uploads/newsroom/2012/10/map1016.png

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 17 cases; 3 deaths

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 17 cases; 3 deaths

Meningitis victims face long, uncertain recovery

Posted on Saturday, 10.20.12
By TAMARA LUSH
Associated Press / October 20, 2012

OCALA, Fla. -- Vilinda York lies in her Florida hospital bed, facing a dry-erase board that lists in green marker her name, her four doctors and a smiley face.

Also on the board is this: "Anticipated date of discharge: NOT YET DETERMINED."
...
On Jan. 21, she was on her way to a wedding when she got into a car crash. It wasn't enough to put her in the hospital, but she did suffer back problems.

The pain was strong enough for her to visit a doctor at Marion Pain Clinic, where she received two steroid shots on Aug. 16. A week later, the pain was still there and she began feeling headachy, nauseous and dizzy. She chalked it up to her back and got a third shot Aug. 28.

In the weeks that followed, her health deteriorated. She couldn't lie down without extreme back pain. A friend gave her a recliner to sleep in. The headaches grew severe, sharp pains shooting from all directions into her skull.

"I couldn't walk well, I couldn't see good and I could wipe the sweat off my arms," she said.

On Sept. 27, her legs and arms grew numb. The numbness flowed upwards to her waist. That's when she called 911.

"I didn't know whether I was getting ready for a stroke," she said.

When she arrived at the hospital, doctors took a spinal tap and discovered she had meningitis...

...doctors initially thought she had bacterial meningitis, but when she told them about the steroid shots, doctors began to assemble a theory. On Sept. 25, the New England Compounding Center had voluntarily recalled three lots of the steroid methylprednisolone acetate.

York's three shots were that steroid - and the Marion Pain Clinic had gotten some of the tainted medicine, health officials said.

York said a doctor from Marion Pain Clinic visited her in the hospital and told her about the contaminated shots. The doctor was crying as she spoke, York added.
...

Full text:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/ne...in-recovery/tnlkVSa1lR5WWIXwP9eRuN/story.html

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 17 cases; 3 deaths

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 17 cases; 3 deaths

Office of the State Surgeon General
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A00 ? Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1701
Phone: (850) 245-4444 ? Fax: (850) 922-9453 ? http://www.floridashealth.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: DOH Communications
October 19, 2012 (850) 245-4111

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OBTAINS RELINQUISHMENT OF NEW ENGLAND COMPOUNDING PHARMACY PERMIT

~Disciplinary relinquishment of NECC permit obtained~

TALLAHASSEE- The Florida Department of Health today obtained a relinquishment of the New England Compounding Center?s (NECC) permit to operate as a pharmacy in the state of Florida. The Relinquishment is considered disciplinary action against NECC?s permit and the company will cease to operate as a pharmacy in our state immediately. The NECC may never reapply for a pharmacy permit in the state of Florida.

On Sept. 25, 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recalled three lots of NECC methylprednisolone acetate used for epidural back injections. The contaminated injections were linked to cases of fungal meningitis in Tennessee. Throughout this ongoing investigation, CDC has also questioned the sterility of all NECC injectable products and issued a precautionary voluntary recall of all NECC products on Oct. 6. The FDA has since urged health care providers to contact their patients who were exposed to NECC products and inform them to closely monitor their health and seek immediate medical attention if they begin to experience any of the outlined symptoms, including fever, swelling, increasing pain, redness, warmth at injection site; vision changes, pain, redness or discharge from the eye; chest pain, or drainage from the surgical site (infection within the chest).
...

http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/wp-content/uploads/newsroom/2012/10/1019NECCVR.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 17 cases; 3 deaths

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 17 cases; 3 deaths

Family: Meningitis victim had stroke

By Fred Hiers
Published: Monday, October 22, 2012 at 12:24 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, October 22, 2012 at 12:24 p.m.

The third Floridian whose death has been attributed to the fungal meningitis outbreak has been identified as Walter Ward, 78, a retired dairy farmer from Ocala.

Ward received a dose of tainted steroid medicine in August and died Oct. 16. He had suffered stroke-like symptoms the day before at his home, according to an interview with his family. He otherwise had been healthy.

More...
http://www.gainesville.com/article/...301?Title=Family-Meningitis-victim-had-stroke

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 18 cases; 3 deaths

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 18 cases; 3 deaths

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: DOH Communications
October 22, 2012 Jessica Hammonds, (850) 245-4111
FLORIDA FUNGAL MENINGITIS CASES TOTAL EIGHTEEN
~Nationwide total reaches 285~
TALLAHASSEE ? The Florida Department of Health (DOH) today confirmed one additional case of fungal meningitis associated with contaminated lots of methylprednisolone acetate. A 55 year old man who received treatment at Pain Consultants of West Florida in Escambia County is the state?s newest case.

more..

http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/wp-...oom/2011/08/102212meningitisupdaterelease.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 18 cases; 3 deaths

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 18 cases; 3 deaths

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: DOH Communications
October 23, 2012 (850) 245-4111

NEW FUNGAL MENINGITIS CASE CONFIRMED ~Florida cases of fungal meningitis increases to 19~

TALLAHASSEE ? The Florida Department of Health (DOH) today has confirmed one more case of fungal meningitis associated with contaminated steroid injections of NECC products. The patient is a 66 year old woman who received treatment from the Florida Pain Clinic in Marion County and was injected with one of the contaminated lots of New England Compounding Center (NECC) methylprednisolone acetate used for epidural back injections.

This case brings the total fungal meningitis case count in Florida to 19, including three deaths.

?This is an ongoing and dynamic multi-state investigation, and we continue to apply guidance from the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as we protect the health of Floridians," said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong.

...
http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/wp-...2012/10/102312meningitiscaseupdaterelease.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 19 cases; 3 deaths

Re: Florida - Outbreak of fungal meningitis: 19 cases; 3 deaths

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: DOH Communications
October 24, 2012 Jessica Hammonds, (850) 245-4111

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CONFIRMS THREE MORE CASES OF FUNGAL MENINGITIS ~Florida total reaches 22 ~

TALLAHASSEE ? The Florida Department of Health (DOH) today confirmed three additional cases of fungal meningitis associated with contaminated lots of methylprednisolone acetate. A 60 year old man and 36 year old woman who both received treatment at the Pain Consultants of West Florida in Escambia County, and a 50 year old man who received treatment from the Marion Pain Management Center in Marion County are the state?s newest cases. This brings the state?s totals to 22, including three deaths.

Full text:
http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/wp-...10/102412Meningitis-Updatethree-new-cases.pdf