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US - CDC reports 63 dead, 749 infected with fungal meningitis in 20 states (Update Aug 5, 2013)

Re: US - 8 dead, 105 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 8 dead, 105 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

[Source: Kentucky Department of Health, full page: (LINK). Edited.]

Department for Public Health Update on Fungal Meningitis Investigation

Press Release Date: Monday, October 08, 2012 / Revision Date: Monday, October 08, 2012 - Contact Information: Media Contact: Gwenda Bond or Beth Fisher (502) 564-6786


Several Kentuckians treated in Tennessee affected, New England Compounding Center products recalled


FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 8, 2012) - The Kentucky Department for Public Health has been notified of five recent cases of fungal meningitis in Kentucky residents who received medical care in Tennessee. These cases of illness match the pattern associated with a multistate outbreak that has been linked to injections from three lots of steroid medications distributed by the New England Compounding Center, a compounding-only pharmacy. This type of fungal meningitis is not contagious.

The New England Compounding Center has issued a voluntary recall of all products it has produced or distributed. Although none of the implicated lots of contaminated medication is known to have been distributed in Kentucky, other lots and types medicines from this company have been sent to Kentucky facilities. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and KDPH recommend that pharmaceuticals manufactured by this company not be used for patients. More information on this recall is available at the FDA?s website.

?The Department for Public Health is closely monitoring this situation as it evolves,? said Dr. Stephanie Mayfield, commissioner of the Department for Public Health. ?We now know that several Kentuckians who received treatment out of state have been affected by this outbreak. We are working with our partners at local health departments and with the state health care associations to notify health care facilities that may have received medications included on the recall list to ensure that they are not used to treat Kentucky patients.?

Kentuckians who have received epidural steroid injections since May 21 and have any of the following symptoms should talk to their health provider as soon as possible:
  • Worsening headache
  • Fever
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Stiff neck
  • New weakness or numbness in any part of your body
  • Slurred speech
If Kentuckians have questions or concerns about steroid injections they have received, DPH recommends they contact their health care provider.

Clinicians should immediately inform the state or local health department of any patients that are undergoing evaluation for suspected fungal infection related to this outbreak.


For more information and national updates on the multistate outbreak, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.


###
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Re: US - 8 dead, 105 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 8 dead, 105 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Map of Healthcare Facilities which Received Three Lots* of Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) Recalled from New England Compounding Center on September 26, 2012

October 8, 2012 5:45 PM EDT
* Lot #05212012@68, BUD 11/17/2012; Lot #06292012@26, BUD 12/26/2012; Lot #08102012@51, BUD 2/6/2013
** All vials of Methylprednisolone Acetate that were sent to Nevada were recalled prior to use.

List of Healthcare Facilities which Received Lots of Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) Recalled from New England Compounding Center on September 26, 2012
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <colgroup><col width="289"> <col width="120"> <col width="139"> <col width="66"> </colgroup><tbody><tr> <td width="289">CYPRESS SURGERY CENTER DBA</td> <td width="120">559 740 4094</td> <td width="139">VISALIA</td> <td width="66">CA</td> </tr> <tr> <td>ENCINO OUTPATIENT SURGICENTER</td> <td>818-986-1037</td> <td>ENCINO </td> <td>CA</td> </tr> <tr> <td>UKIAH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER</td> <td>707 463 7345</td> <td>UKIAH</td> <td>CA</td> </tr> <tr> <td>UNIVERSAL PAIN MANAGEMENAT</td> <td>661-267-6876 x166</td> <td>PALMDALE</td> <td>CA</td> </tr> <tr> <td>INTERVENTIONAL SPINE AND SPORTS MED</td> <td>203 598 7246</td> <td>MIDDLEBURY</td> <td>CT</td> </tr> <tr> <td>FLORIDA PAIN CLINIC</td> <td>352-237-5906</td> <td>OCALA</td> <td>FL</td> </tr> <tr> <td>INTERVENTIONAL REHAB CENTER</td> <td>850 484 8800</td> <td>PENSACOLA</td> <td>FL</td> </tr> <tr> <td>MARION PAIN MANAGEMENT CENTER</td> <td>352 622 1845</td> <td>OCALA</td> <td>FL</td> </tr> <tr> <td>NORTH COUNTY SURGICENTER</td> <td>561 626 6446</td> <td>PALM BEACH GARDENS</td> <td>FL</td> </tr> <tr> <td>ORLANDO CENTER FOR OUTPATIENT SURGERY</td> <td>407-426-8331</td> <td>ORLANDO</td> <td>FL</td> </tr> <tr> <td>PAIN CONSULTANTS OF WEST FLORIDA</td> <td>850 494 0000</td> <td>PENSACOLA</td> <td>FL</td> </tr> <tr> <td>SURGERY CENTER OF OCALA</td> <td>352-237-5906</td> <td>OCALA</td> <td>FL</td> </tr> <tr> <td>SURGICAL PARK CENTER</td> <td>305-271-9100 x226</td> <td>MIAMI</td> <td>FL</td> </tr> <tr> <td>FORSYTH STREET AMBULATORY SURG. CTR.</td> <td>478-749-1610</td> <td>MACON</td> <td>GA</td> </tr> <tr> <td>PAIN SPECIALISTS OF IDAHO</td> <td>208 522 7246</td> <td>IDAHO FALLS</td> <td>ID</td> </tr> <tr> <td>WALTER KNOX MEMORIAL HOSPITAL</td> <td>208-365-3561 x3342</td> <td>EMMETT</td> <td>ID</td> </tr> <tr> <td>APAC CENTERS FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT</td> <td>708-483-7007</td> <td>WESTCHESTER</td> <td>IL</td> </tr> <tr> <td>APAC CENTERS FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT-</td> <td>773-935-2760</td> <td>CHICAGO</td> <td>IL</td> </tr> <tr> <td>THOREK MEMORIAL HOSPITAL</td> <td>773 975-6734</td> <td>CHICAGO</td> <td>IL</td> </tr> <tr> <td>AMBULATORY CARE CENTER LLC</td> <td>812 475 1800</td> <td>EVANSVILLE</td> <td>IN</td> </tr> <tr> <td>FORT WAYNE PHYSICAL MEDICINE</td> <td>260-436-9337</td> <td>FORT WAYNE</td> <td>IN</td> </tr> <tr> <td>OSMC OUTPATIENT SURGERY CENTER</td> <td>574-266-4173</td> <td>ELKHART</td> <td>IN</td> </tr> <tr> <td>SOUTH BEND CLINIC</td> <td>574-237-9372</td> <td>SOUTH BEND</td> <td>IN</td> </tr> <tr> <td>UNION HOSPITAL--</td> <td>812 238 4964</td> <td>TERRE HAUTE</td> <td>IN</td> </tr> <tr> <td>WELLSPRING</td> <td>812-376-0700</td> <td>COLUMBUS</td> <td>IN</td> </tr> <tr> <td>BALTIMORE PAIN MANAGEMENT</td> <td>410 682-5040</td> <td>BALTIMORE</td> <td>MD</td> </tr> <tr> <td>BERLIN INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MANAGEMENT</td> <td>410 641 3759</td> <td>BERLIN</td> <td>MD</td> </tr> <tr> <td>BOX HILL SURGERY CENTER</td> <td>410 877 8141</td> <td>ABINGDON</td> <td>MD</td> </tr> <tr> <td>GREENSPRING SURGERY CENTER</td> <td>410 653 0077</td> <td>BALTIMORE</td> <td>MD</td> </tr> <tr> <td>HARFORD COUNTY ASC, LLC</td> <td>410 538 7000</td> <td>EDGEWOOD</td> <td>MD</td> </tr> <tr> <td>PAIN MEDICINE SPECIALISTS</td> <td>410 825 6945</td> <td>TOWSON</td> <td>MD</td> </tr> <tr> <td>SURGCENTER OF BEL AIR</td> <td>410 638 5523</td> <td>BEL AIR</td> <td>MD</td> </tr> <tr> <td>MICHIGAN NEUROSURGICAL INST.</td> <td>810 606 7112</td> <td>GRAND BLANC</td> <td>MI</td> </tr> <tr> <td>MICHIGAN PAIN SPECIALISTS</td> <td>734 995 7246</td> <td>BRIGHTON</td> <td>MI</td> </tr> <tr> <td>NEUROMUSCULAR & REHABILITATION</td> <td>231 935 0860</td> <td>TRAVERSE CITY</td> <td>MI</td> </tr> <tr> <td>SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN SURGICAL HOSPITAL</td> <td>586-427-1000</td> <td>WARREN</td> <td>MI</td> </tr> <tr> <td>MAPS-EDINA MEDICAL PAIN CLINIC</td> <td>763 537 6000</td> <td>MINNEAPOLIS</td> <td>MN</td> </tr> <tr> <td>MAPS-MEDICAL ADVANCED PAIN</td> <td>763 537 6000</td> <td>FRIDLEY</td> <td>MN</td> </tr> <tr> <td>MEDICAL ADVANCED PAIN SPECIALISTS*</td> <td>763-537-6000 x238</td> <td>SHAKOPEE</td> <td>MN</td> </tr> <tr> <td>MEDICAL ADVANCED PAIN SPECIALISTS.</td> <td>763 537 6000</td> <td>MAPLE GROVE</td> <td>MN</td> </tr> <tr> <td>MINNESOTA SURGERY CENTER</td> <td>763-767-7139</td> <td>EDINA</td> <td>MN</td> </tr> <tr> <td>MINNESOTA SURGERY CENTER-</td> <td>763 537 6000</td> <td>MAPLE GROVE</td> <td>MN</td> </tr> <tr> <td>HIGH POINT SURGERY</td> <td>336 878 6048</td> <td>HIGH POINT</td> <td>NC</td> </tr> <tr> <td>NORTH CAROLINA ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC</td> <td>919 403 5148</td> <td>DURHAM</td> <td>NC</td> </tr> <tr> <td>SURGERY CENTER OF WILSON</td> <td>252-237-5649</td> <td>WILSON</td> <td>NC</td> </tr> <tr> <td>DR. O'CONNELL'S PAIN CARE CTR</td> <td>603-335-5070</td> <td>MERRIMACK</td> <td>NH</td> </tr> <tr> <td>DR. O'CONNELL'S PAINCARE CENTERS, INC</td> <td>603 692 3166</td> <td>SOMERSWORTH</td> <td>NH</td> </tr> <tr> <td>CENTRAL JERSEY ORTHOPEDICS SPECIALISTS PC</td> <td>908 561 2122</td> <td>SOUTH PLAINFIELD</td> <td>NJ</td> </tr> <tr> <td>EDISON SURGICAL CENTER</td> <td>732 452 0123</td> <td>EDISON</td> <td>NJ</td> </tr> <tr> <td>IF PAIN ASSOCIATES / ISAIAH FLORENCE</td> <td>201 287 1100</td> <td>TEANECK</td> <td>NJ</td> </tr> <tr> <td>PREMIER ORTHOPEDICS SURG. ASSOC., LLC</td> <td>856 690 1750</td> <td>VINELAND</td> <td>NJ</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Comprehensive Pain Management</td> <td>973 796 5216</td> <td>SPARTA</td> <td>NJ</td> </tr> <tr> <td>SOUTH JERSEY HEALTH CARE</td> <td>856 363 1558</td> <td>ELMER</td> <td>NJ</td> </tr> <tr> <td>SOUTH JERSEY HEALTHCARE</td> <td>856-641-7557</td> <td>VINELAND</td> <td>NJ</td> </tr> <tr> <td>SAHARA SURGERY CENTER</td> <td>702-362-7874</td> <td>LAS VEGAS</td> <td>NV</td> </tr> <tr> <td>BUTANI, SUNIL H. PHYSICIAN PC</td> <td>516 747 5042</td> <td>MINEOLA</td> <td>NY</td> </tr> <tr> <td>OBOSA MEDICAL SERVICES</td> <td>914-530-2323</td> <td>MOUNT VERNON</td> <td>NY</td> </tr> <tr> <td>ROCHESTER BRAIN AND SPINE</td> <td>585 334 5560</td> <td>ROCHESTER</td> <td>NY</td> </tr> <tr> <td>BKC PAIN SPECIALISTS,LLC</td> <td>740-387-7246</td> <td>MARION</td> <td>OH</td> </tr> <tr> <td>CINCINNATI PAIN MANAGEMENT</td> <td>513 891 0022</td> <td>CINCINNATI</td> <td>OH</td> </tr> <tr> <td>MARION PAIN CLINIC</td> <td>740-375-0200</td> <td>MARION</td> <td>OH</td> </tr> <tr> <td>ORTHO-SPINE REHAB. CENTER, INC.</td> <td> </td> <td>DUBLIN</td> <td>OH</td> </tr> <tr> <td>ALLEGHENY PAIN MANAGEMENT</td> <td>814-940-2000</td> <td>ALTOONA</td> <td>PA</td> </tr> <tr> <td>SOUTH HILLS PAIN & REHAB ASSOC.</td> <td>412 469 7722</td> <td>JEFFERSON HILLS</td> <td>PA</td> </tr> <tr> <td>NEW ENGLAND ANESTHESIOLOGY (NEA)</td> <td>401-490-7530</td> <td>WARWICK</td> <td>RI</td> </tr> <tr> <td>OCEAN STATE PAIN MANAGEMENT</td> <td>401 766 7700</td> <td>WOONSOCKET</td> <td>RI</td> </tr> <tr> <td>OCEAN STATE PAIN MANAGEMENT-</td> <td>401 884 6070</td> <td>EAST GREENWICH</td> <td>RI</td> </tr> <tr> <td>INTERVENE MD</td> <td>843-216-4844</td> <td>MOUNT PLEASANT</td> <td>SC</td> </tr> <tr> <td>PCA PAIN CARE CENTER-</td> <td>865 835 5196</td> <td>OAK RIDGE</td> <td>TN</td> </tr> <tr> <td>SPECIALTY SURGERY CENTER</td> <td>931-484-2500 x125</td> <td>CROSSVILLE</td> <td>TN</td> </tr> <tr> <td>ST. THOMAS OUTPATIENT NEUROSURGIACL</td> <td>615 341 3433</td> <td>NASHVILLE</td> <td>TN</td> </tr> <tr> <td>DALLAS BACK PAIN MANAGEMENT</td> <td>214 445 5077</td> <td>DALLAS</td> <td>TX</td> </tr> <tr> <td>HARRIS METHODIST SOUTHLAKE CENTER</td> <td>817 748 8778</td> <td>SOUTHLAKE</td> <td>TX</td> </tr> <tr> <td>INSIGHT IMAGING-ROANOKE</td> <td>540 581 0882</td> <td>ROANOKE</td> <td>VA</td> </tr> <tr> <td>NEW RIVER VALLEY SURGERY CENTER</td> <td>540 639 5888</td> <td>CHRISTIANSBURG</td> <td>VA</td> </tr> <tr> <td>PARS INTERVENTIONAL PAIN</td> <td>304 865 7277</td> <td>PARKERSBURG</td> <td>WV</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
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Re: US - 8 dead, 105 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 8 dead, 105 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Tennessee -

TDH Update on Outbreak of Infections Associated with Epidural Steroid Injections

Monday, October 08, 2012 | 05:35 pm

NASHVILLE ? Tennessee Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, has provided an update on the investigation of infections associated with epidural steroid injections. His statements from today?s media briefing are included below.

Dreyzehner has activated the State Health Operations Center in response to the multi-state outbreak of infections first identified September 18, 2012. TDH will staff the SHOC daily, and an on-call physician will answer calls after hours.

The outbreak has been linked to patients receiving spinal steroid injections, a common treatment for back pain, between June 27 and September 28, 2012 in Nashville and between July 1 and September 28, 2012 in Crossville and Oak Ridge. The incubation period for onset of illness is estimated at two to 28 days. The steroid drugs believed to be responsible were compounded by the New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Mass. NECC has now voluntarily recalled all products compounded and distributed from its Massachusetts facility.

TDH will provide new information on this investigation to media in a briefing via telephone on Tuesday, October 9 at 1 p.m. Central time. Media members may participate in the briefing by calling 1-888-757-2790, passcode 781337.

Statement by Commissioner Dreyzehner October 8, 2012:

Good afternoon. I want to thank you for being with us. We appreciate the public health value of your continuing coverage.

Before I go into details about activities and facts, I want to again offer our sympathy to the people whose lives have been significantly impacted by this very tragic situation. To those whose families or circle of friends have been affected, please know we keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Today we confirm three new cases and one additional death. The total number of cases in Tennessee is now 35 and the number of deaths is four. Friday we opened the State Health Operations Center here in the Cordell Hull Building and four regional health operations centers.

These are our emergency operations centers, allowing a network of professionals to rapidly exchange information and data. At the conclusion of this news briefing, those of you who want to see the center here will have that opportunity.

Local health department teams in many areas of the state worked tirelessly over the weekend, making personal contact with approximately 66 at-risk patients who we previously had not been able to verify were contacted with the latest information. In many cases, that meant knocking on doors and asking and answering questions.

This Saturday, the New England Compounding Center announced a voluntary recall of all products compounded and distributed from its Massachusetts facility.

We issued a Tennessee Health Alert Network message to state clinicians two days before, on Thursday afternoon, directing them to not use any NECC products. To reinforce that message, we sent another alert via THAN his morning.

It is important to be clear our colleagues at the CDC and FDA have not found any problems with any of the multiple other products they have identified as coming from NECC. But we believe they should not be used in Tennessee as long as we, the CDC and the FDA lack assurance that no other product is contaminated.

We understand NECC has committed to fax notices of the recall to every practice location where their products have been sent. We are carefully double-checking to identify which practice locations might have used these NECC products. That work will continue until we know where every product went and if it was used, and we will work to assure that staff at every practice location that received recalled products from NECC are aware of the message to not use those products. We are also sharing information through our network of health departments, our website, and through all of you in the media.

Based on their analysis of cases nationally, the CDC has expanded the case definition for patients included in this outbreak, and we are following the expanded definitions in Tennessee. The new date is June 27 in Tennessee. This is in contrast to the national date of May 21 and our June 27 date reflects when materials were actually received in Tennessee.

Our goal is to continue to identify at-risk patients as soon as possible, knowing early recognition can benefit treatment results. Because of the aggressive follow-up of involved clinics and other efforts, patients are now being identified earlier in the course of their illness, when treatment is expected to be more effective.

One of the challenges for clinicians in Tennessee known to have possibly used contaminated methylprednisolone acetate has been the demanding process of assuring that all patients potentially at risk have up-to-date information.

As you know our team here at TDH identified the outbreak and also that methylprednisolone acetate was the primary suspect, and we have modified our messages as our scientific investigation has led to new findings. As the situation has evolved, our outreach efforts have also evolved in concert with our scientific investigation. Our regional county leaders, county health directors and public health nurses have been instrumental in this effort.

At present our plans include partnering with the clinics to assure regular person-to-person contact with each of the at-risk patients, for as long as deemed necessary. We will continue to cooperate with the staff of the affected clinics and to provide ongoing information and evaluation to those who were possibly exposed to contaminated medication.

We are cautiously optimistic that many of the efforts to reach patients and clinicians with information about this outbreak are succeeding in allowing earlier recognition of infection and earlier institution of treatment. We appreciate your reporting and helping to inform the public about the evolving developments and uncertainties in this outbreak.

https://news.tn.gov/node/9714
 
Re: US - 8 dead, 105 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 8 dead, 105 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Posted on Tuesday, 10.09.12

Gov says 4 confirmed meningitis cases in Fla

The Associated Press
...<!-- end /production/story/credit_line_format.comp -->
Scott said Tuesday that all four cases are related to the same facility in Marion County. He says that as of Monday authorities had contacted nearly 700 of the 1,185 patients linked to facilities that got tainted medicine in Marion, Miami-Dade, Orange and Escambia counties.
...

 
A nationally recognized media person says on twitter a few minutes ago:

Dr. Sanjay Gupta ‏@sanjayguptaCNN
just spoke to #CDC. fungal #meningitis numbers continue to grow. 119 people ill -- 11 have died. I am in mass investigating
 
Re: US - 11 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 11 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Meningitis outbreak: 11 dead, 119 infected
More than 100 infected by rare fungal meningitis

Eleven people have died so far from an outbreak of a rare non-contagious fungal meningitis, an inflammation of membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

MENINGITIS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Find out what you need to know about meningitis and the deadly outbreak that's now spread to seven states.

MORE
The discovery of the outbreak, linked to an injectable steroid the patients were getting to treat pain, was first reported late last week by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

On Tuesday the CDC said 119 people had been infected, and warned that the number will likely rise. Fungal meningitis is very rare and, unlike viral and bacterial meningitis, is not contagious.



Read more: http://www.wpbf.com/news/health/Men...16902840/-/dsauwwz/-/index.html#ixzz28pGJ2EBS
 
Re: US - 11 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 11 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Deaths rise to 11, with 119 sickened in rare meningitis outbreak
By the CNN Wire Staff
updated 1:47 PM EDT, Tue October 9, 2012

CNN) -- A rare, noncontagious form of meningitis has claimed 11 lives and sickened 119 people, an increase from the eight deaths and 105 illnesses previously reported, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday.
The outbreak is linked to contaminated steroid injections, and as many as 13,000 people may have received the medicine between May 21 and September 24, the CDC said.
The number of reported cases grew significantly in recent days as federal and state authorities continued to investigate the outbreak.
Tennessee is the hardest-hit state, with 35 infections and four deaths, according to the CDC.:tiphat:http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/09/health/meningitis-exposure/index.html
 
Re: US - 11 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 11 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Multi-State Meningitis Outbreak - Current Case Count

October 9, 2012 1:45 PM EDT
Persons with Meningitis Linked to Epidural Steroid Injections, by State

Persons by State with Meningitis Linked to Epidural Steroid Injections, as of October 9, 2012

<table style="background-color: #d4eeb6; border: 1px solid #6aad29; border-collapse: collapse; width: 400px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> <tbody><tr><th scope="col" style="background-color: #609c25; border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: left; padding: 8px;">State</th> <th scope="col" style="background-color: #609c25; border: 1px solid #6aad29; padding: 8px;">Case Count</th> <th scope="col" style="background-color: #609c25; border: 1px solid #6aad29; padding: 8px;">Deaths</th> </tr> <tr><td scope="row" style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; padding: 5px;">Florida (FL)</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">4</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">
</td> </tr> <tr><td scope="row" style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; padding: 5px;">Indiana (IN)</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">12</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">
</td> </tr> <tr><td scope="row" style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; padding: 5px;">Maryland (MD)</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">8</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">1</td> </tr> <tr><td scope="row" style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; padding: 5px;">Michigan (MI)</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">25</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">3</td> </tr> <tr><td scope="row" style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; padding: 5px;">Minnesota (MN)</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">3</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">
</td> </tr> <tr><td scope="row" style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; padding: 5px;">New Jersey (NJ)</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">1</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">
</td> </tr> <tr><td scope="row" style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; padding: 5px;">North Carolina (NC)</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">2</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">
</td> </tr> <tr><td scope="row" style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; padding: 5px;">Ohio (OH)</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">1</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">
</td> </tr> <tr><td scope="row" style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; padding: 5px;">Tennessee (TN)</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">39</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">6</td> </tr> <tr><td scope="row" style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; padding: 5px;">Virginia (VA)</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">24</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; padding: 5px;">1</td> </tr> <tr><td scope="row" style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; font-weight: bold; background-color: #aede7b; padding: 8px;">TOTALS</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; background-color: #aede7b; padding: 8px;">119</td> <td style="border: 1px solid #6aad29; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; background-color: #aede7b; padding: 8px;">11</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
Case Count Maps by Date




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http://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/meningitis-map.html
 
Re: US - 11 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 11 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Join us for an upcoming COCA Conference Call, where CDC subject matter experts will discuss topics of interest to clinicians. If you have questions or trouble accessing this COCA Call/Webinar, please
e-mail coca@cdc.gov.

Multistate Meningitis Outbreak Investigation: Information and Guidance for Clinicians

= No Continuing Education

Date: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 - TOMORROW
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern Time)
Join by Phone:
Dial-In Number: 888-790-6180
Passcode: COCA
Overview:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to work closely with state public health departments on a multistate investigation of fungal meningitis among patients who received an epidural steroid injection. These cases are associated with a potentially contaminated steroid medication prepared by New England Compounding Center (NECC), located in Framingham, Mass. During this COCA Call, CDC subject matter experts will review current epidemiology of the outbreak, describe clinical presentation and features of fungal meningitis, and review CDC?s recommended treatment guidance.

Presenter(s):

Melissa K. Schaefer, MD
Medical Officer
Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention

Tom Chiller, MD, MPH
Medical Epidemiologist
Division of Foodborne, Waterborne & Environmental Diseases
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention

This is an audio only call. There are no slides or handouts for this call. The recorded call audio and transcript will be available a few days after the live call. To view the record call materials please visit the call webpage at http://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2012/callinfo_101012.asp
 
Re: US - 11 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 11 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

This is not included in the fatality count of today's CDC update.

"First Fungal Meningitis Death in Florida in Outbreak: State Health Officials"

"State health officials on Tuesday confirmed the first fungal meningitis death in Florida in the recent nationwide outbreak.

A 70-year-old Marion County man died in July, before the discovery of the contaminated lots of the steroid methylprednisolone acetate from the New England Compounding Center, the Florida Department of Health said.

The steroid is injected into the spine to relieve back pain.

The Department of Health said there have been six cases of fungal meningitis in the state, all in Marion County. One of them is a 78-year-old man who contracted the disease after getting a contaminated back steroid injection, the department said.

"We are saddened by this news and share our condolences with his family and friends," said Florida's Secretary of Health and Surgeon General, Dr. John Armstrong, in a statement. "Our disease investigation process discovered the link between this individual's death and a contaminated steroid injection. We will continue to work closely with our health partners to ensure that individuals who may have received the contaminated medicine are treated, and we have ensured that no medications from NECC, steroid or otherwise, are available in Florida."

Health officials said they have visited 78 facilities in Florida to urge them to stop using any products they received from the New England Compounding Center since Jan. 1."
 
Re: US - 12 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 12 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Deaths rise to 12 in rare meningitis outbreak
At least 119 sickened


Florida recorded its first death connected to the outbreak of a rare, noncontagious form of meningitis, raising the toll Tuesday to a total of 12 fatalities nationwide.
Earlier in the day, federal authorities reported 11 deaths and 119 persons becoming ill in the outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Tuesday. Those figures were an increase from Monday's count of eight deaths and 105 illnesses.

Florida health officials also reported a total of six cases connected to the outbreak -- all in Marion County.

That figure -- one more than federal officials have so far counted in Florida -- means that a total of 120 persons nationwide have become ill, according to state officials.

The outbreak is linked to contaminated steroid injections, and as many as 13,000 people may have received the medicine between May 21 and September 24, the CDC said.

The death of a 70-year-old Florida man occurred in July, prior to the discovery of the contamination, the state's health department said.

"Our disease investigation process di



Read more: http://www.wcvb.com/health/Deaths-r...16914624/-/jck82kz/-/index.html#ixzz28r4bWCaG
 
Re: US - 11 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 11 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%"><TBODY><TR bgColor=#cccccc><TD vAlign=top align=left>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]PO Box 360 [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Trenton, NJ 08625-0360[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For Release:[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]10/09/2012[/FONT]

</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mary E. O'Dowd, M.P.H.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Commissioner[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For Further Information Contact:[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Office of Communications[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](609) 984-7160[/FONT]


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

NJ Reports First Case Associated With Potentially Contaminated Steroid Medication

Today, the New Jersey Department of Health reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) its first case linked to an ongoing, multi-state outbreak of fungal meningitis associated with potentially contaminated steroid medication.

A 70-year-old Cumberland County man is hospitalized with presumptive fungal meningitis and is recovering. He received an injection with medication from one of the lots recalled by New England Compounding Center (NECC) located in Framingham, Mass. He developed headaches and went to the emergency room with fever and continued headaches. He is being treated with anti-fungal medication at South Jersey Healthcare Regional Medical Center at Vineland.

"Due to the fact that this is an ongoing investigation, physicians need to closely monitor patients who were administered steroid injections from the three recalled lots," said Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd. "Symptoms include headaches, fever, nausea, neck stiffness, confusion and/or dizziness. Any patient who has had a steroid injection and is experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical attention."
...
DOH has been in contact with six facilities that received the affected product and requested that they reach out to all patients who received injections of the recalled steroid medication (methylprednisolone actetate). Almost all of the approximately 650 affected patients in New Jersey have been notified.

"Affected health care facilities have been working diligently to respond to this recall," the Commissioner said. "I thank them for their efforts to offer assistance to their patients as quickly and effectively as possible during this ongoing investigation and response."

On September 25, 2012, NECC voluntarily recalled the following lots of methylprednisolone acetate (PF) 80mg/ml:. PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #05212012@68, 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.


Health care facilities in New Jersey that received this medication have removed the product from inventory. Those facilities are:
  • Central Jersey Orthopedics Specialists, PC in South Plainfield
  • Edison Surgical Center, Edison
  • IF Pain Associates/Isaiah Florence, Teaneck
  • Premier Orthopedics Surgical Assoc, LLC, Vineland
  • Comprehensive Pain Management, Sparta
  • South Jersey Healthcare, Elmer and Vineland
...
Full text:
http://www.state.nj.us/health/news/2012/approved/20121009a.html
 
Re: US - 12 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 12 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

[Source: Michigan Department of Health, full text: (LINK).]

Michigan Confirms 25 Meningitis Cases, Including Three Deaths

Contact: Angela Minicuci (517) 241-2112 / FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2012



UPDATE: Additional information regarding the three Michigan deaths has become available.

The locations of residence for the three deaths are as follows:
  • Genesee County - 56 year old woman
  • Livingston County - 67 year old woman
  • Washtenaw County - 78 year old woman
Aside from age, gender, and location of residence, the Michigan Department of Community Health cannot release any additional information regarding the three deaths in Michigan because of Health Information Protection laws.

*** Beginning tomorrow, Oct. 10, the Michigan Department of Community Health will be updating the fungal meningitis case count associated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's multistate investigation at 3 p.m. daily online at http://www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/0,4579,7-186--287628--,00.html. ***



LANSING - The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration on a multi-state investigation of cases of fungal meningitis among patients who received steroid injections. Michigan currently has 25 confirmed meningitis cases associated with this outbreak, including three deaths. As of Oct. 9, 119 cases and 11 deaths have been reported from 10 states.

As this is a developing investigation, the number of cases is expected to increase. The age range of current identified cases is 46-89 years old. Of the three deaths, all were females ages 56, 67, and 78. An individual with a joint infection was incorrectly reported yesterday and is no longer counted as a case. All cases are linked to the four facilities in Michigan that received a potentially contaminated product, suspected to be the cause of the outbreak.

Interim data show that infected patients received an injection with one of three lots of preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate prepared by the New England Compounding Center (NECC), located in Framingham, Mass. The four Michigan facilities that received shipments of these recalled lots are working with MDCH to notify patients who may have received this product between May and October and may be at risk for developing illness.

The facilities are:
  • Michigan Neurosurgical Institutes in Grand Blanc
  • Michigan Pain Specialists in Brighton
  • Neuromuscular and Rehabilitation in Traverse City
  • Southeast Michigan Surgical Hospital in Warren
These fungal infections are not transmitted person-to-person.

Infected patients have become ill approximately one to four weeks following their injection with a variety of symptoms.

Patients who received epidural injections have presented with symptoms including fever, new or worsening headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, and/or a new neurological deficit such as weakness or numbness, consistent with deep brain stroke. Those receiving joint injections may present with increasing pain, redness or swelling at injection site. Some patients' symptoms were very mild in nature.

Any individual who received a steroid injection at one of the four Michigan facilities and is experiencing the symptoms described above should immediately contact their physician or seek medical attention.

Additional information about the Michigan investigation can be found at www.michigan.gov/mdch.


For more information about the CDC investigation, visit www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/meningitis.html.
​
-
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Re: US - 12 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 12 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

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


Rick Scott, Governor / John H. Armstrong, MD, 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, Jessica Hammonds, (850) 245-4111
October 9, 2012

FIRST CONFIRMED DEATH IN FLORIDA

~Review of case linked to meningitis~



TALLAHASSEE ? The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed that a 70-year old male has died as a result of the fungal meningitis outbreak currently being investigated.

The individual died in July, prior to the discovery of the contaminated lots of New England Compounding Center (NECC) methylprednisolone acetate used for epidural back injections.

A 78-year-old man has also been identified with fungal meningitis related to a contaminated back steroid injection.

Taken together, there are six cases to date in Florida, all in Marion County, with one death.

"We are saddened by this news and share our condolences with his family and friends," said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong.

"Our disease investigation process discovered the link between this individual's death and a contaminated steroid injection. We will continue to work closely with our health partners to ensure that individuals who may have received the contaminated medicine are treated, and we have ensured that no medications from NECC, steroid or otherwise, are available in Florida."

The Department has visited all 78 facilities in the state to urge them to stop using any product from NECC since January 1, 2012.

The contaminated methylprednisolone lots from NECC are 05212012@68, 06292012@26 and 08102012@51.

All contaminated lots and NECC products should be returned in accordance with FDA recall procedures.

We 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.

To view FDA?s product list as of Oct. 9, 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-content/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.


###



-
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Re: US - 12 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 12 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Meningitis outbreak: Incubation period is longer than first thought
New cases may show up through early November
2:51 AM, Oct 10, 2012

The incubation period for some patients who received tainted epidural steroid injections is longer than doctors initially realized, which means new cases of fungal meningitis may continue to appear through early November, state health officials said Tuesday.

And a recently identified fungus, exserohilum, is now indicated as the cause of nearly all of the fungal meningitis cases in Tennessee ? a number that rose to 39, including six deaths, on Tuesday.

Based on analysis of Tennessee patients, a range for development of symptoms is six to 42 days ? and ?some experts believe vigilance for up to three months will be necessary,? Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner said.

That recommendation comes out of an ?abundance of caution,? he said.

Previously, the incubation period had been estimated at two to 28 days. An initial case appeared to have a two-day incubation period, but that was misleading because the patient had multiple epidural injections and probably was infected before the most recent shot, Dreyzehner said.

To this point, the average time between epidurals and appearance of symptoms for Tennessee patients has been 16 days.

?We are investigating this carefully and will be keeping in touch with those patients who may be at risk for infection,? Dreyzehner said.

?Until we have evidence that the incubation period has passed, it?s important to understand the incubation period is an outer limit based on the best available science.

?Opinions and science could change as more information is gathered.?

Dreyzehner also said that patients exposed to the potentially tainted steroid can?t rely on a spinal tap to indicate they will remain free of meningitis because infection could develop later.

Normal results from a diagnostic lumbar puncture ? which is being used to identify fungal meningitis cases ? ?is an indication of the (patient?s) status at that point in time, but not going forward,? Dreyzehner said. ?Certainly, if they worsen, another lumbar puncture might be indicated.?

New fungus at fault
Exserohilum ? a mold found in soil and on plants, especially grasses and rotting wood ? has now been identified as the primary cause of infections in Tennessee patients. Another fungal species, aspergillus, has been confirmed in only one Tennessee case, Dreyzehner said.

Exserohilum infections are ?so rare that most physicians never see it in a lifetime of practicing medicine,? Dreyzehner said.

Nationally, the number of epidural steroid reported deaths is 12 and the total meningitis cases climbed to 121.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 119 cases and 11 deaths midday Tuesday, but late in the day the Florida Department of Health confirmed two more cases and said a 70-year-old man there has died of fungal meningitis. His death, the first to be reported from Florida, occurred in July but is believed to be linked to the current outbreak, the state said.

Ten states are now reporting cases, including a new case in previously unaffected New Jersey. Tennessee still leads the country in the total number of cases and deaths. Michigan is second with 25 cases and three deaths; Virginia is next with 24 cases and one death.

In all, about 1,000 Tennessee patients are believed to be at risk, but health officials have said most will not develop fungal meningitis. The attack rate is estimated at slightly less than 5 percent, said David Reagan, chief medical officer for the Tennessee Department of Health ? though that number changes slightly as case analysis continues.

However, officials said there is no way to exclude a patient from the risk pool based on age, illnesses or any demographic characteristic.

Any patient who received epidural steroid injections of methylprednisolone acetate for back or neck pain at Saint Thomas Outpatient Neurosurgery Center from June 27 to Sept. 28 is potentially at risk. So are patients receiving the injection at the PCA Pain Care Center of Oak Ridge or Specialty Surgery Center in Crossville from July 1 to Sept. 28.

They should continue to watch for symptoms including a stiff neck, worsening headache or fever, Dreyzehner said.:tiphat:http://www.tennessean.com/article/20121010/NEWS07/310100101/1969/NEWS?
 
Re: US - 11 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 11 dead, 119 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

sharon sanders said:
Join us for an upcoming COCA Conference Call, where CDC subject matter experts will discuss topics of interest to clinicians. If you have questions or trouble accessing this COCA Call/Webinar, please
e-mail coca@cdc.gov.

Multistate Meningitis Outbreak Investigation: Information and Guidance for Clinicians

= No Continuing Education

Date: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 - TOMORROW
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern Time)
Join by Phone:
Dial-In Number: 888-790-6180
Passcode: COCA
Overview:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to work closely with state public health departments on a multistate investigation of fungal meningitis among patients who received an epidural steroid injection. These cases are associated with a potentially contaminated steroid medication prepared by New England Compounding Center (NECC), located in Framingham, Mass. During this COCA Call, CDC subject matter experts will review current epidemiology of the outbreak, describe clinical presentation and features of fungal meningitis, and review CDC?s recommended treatment guidance.

Presenter(s):

Melissa K. Schaefer, MD
Medical Officer
Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention

Tom Chiller, MD, MPH
Medical Epidemiologist
Division of Foodborne, Waterborne & Environmental Diseases
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention

This is an audio only call. There are no slides or handouts for this call. The recorded call audio and transcript will be available a few days after the live call. To view the record call materials please visit the call webpage at http://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2012/callinfo_101012.asp
Click to expand...


Notes from conference:


On CDC conferece call now regarding #USA recalled steroid injections. Now speaking: Melissa K. Schaefer, MD - #meningitis #stroke #fb

About 13,000 injections from 3 recalled lots. As of now there are 12 known deaths & 137 cases. #meningitis #stroke #fb

Referring everyone to CDC website http://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/meningitis.html ? #meningitis #stroke #fb

All patients who received injection from any of 3 recalled lots after May 21 should b contacted 2 determine status #meningitis #stroke #fb

Investigation is evolving. Please check website frequently for most recent guidance etc. http://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/meningitis.html ? #meningitis #stroke #fb

New Update re: Case Definitions for #Meningitis and Septic Arthritis here: http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/outbreaks/clinicians/casedef_multistate_outbreak.html ? #stroke #fb

Now speaking: Tom Chiller, MD, MPH Medical Epidemiologist Division of Foodborne, Waterborne & Environmental Diseases #meningitis #stroke #fb

Clinical info is being evolved as patients are being discovered. Most patients presenting w/headache. #meningitis #stroke #fb

1/3 w/neck stiffness & pain Many cases r "mild".Anyone who has abnormal white blood csf count >5 is to b evaluated. #meningitis #stroke #fb

Updated Clinician Guidance here: http://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/clinicians/index.html ? #meningitis #stroke #fb

Interim Treatmnt 4 CNS &/or Parameningeal Infections Assoc w/Injection of Contaminated Steroid http://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/clinicians/guidance_cns.html ? #meningitis #stroke #fb

At this time, CDC does not recommend initiation of antifungal prophylaxis in exposed patients who are asymptomatic. #meningitis #stroke #fb

Now discussing meds: voriconazole, liposomal amphotericin B, Please see site: http://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/clinicians/guidance_cns.html ? #meningitis #stroke #fb

Adequate duration of antifungal treatment is unknown but likely will require prolonged therapy (e.g., months). #meningitis #stroke #fb

Incubation period appears to be 1-4 weeks, but also shorter & longer too. Patients are not "safe" after 4 weeks. #meningitis #stroke #fb

Exserohilum is a black mold and evaluating further for recommendations for treatment. #meningitis #stroke #fb

Most deaths were from stroke. In 1 case exserohilum was directly invading into tissue causing stroke. #meningitis #stroke #fb

Some reports of incubation of 40 days and beyond. Still an unknown. #meningitis #stroke #fb

1 emergency room doctor n Tenn reports that he has seen 65 patients in last few days-all have presented w/headaches. #meningitis #stroke #fb

This concludes today's COCA conference with over 2000 listeners.
 
Re: US - 12 dead, 137 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 12 dead, 137 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Multistate Outbreak of Meningitis Associated with Injection of Potentially Contaminated Steroid Products
Case Definitions for Meningitis and Septic Arthritis
October 10, 2012 12:00 PM EDT

A person who received an injection with methylprednisolone acetate produced by the New England Compounding Center (NECC) who has developed any of the following:

Fungal meningitis or non-bacterial and non-viral meningitisa of sub-acute onset, following epidural injection on and after May 21, 2012.
Basilar stroke following epidural injection after May 21, 2012b, who has not received a diagnostic lumbar puncture.
Evidence of spinal osteomyelitis or epidural abscess at the site of injection following epidural or sacroiliac injection after May 21, 2012.
Septic arthritisc or osteomyelitis of a peripheral joint (e.g., knee) diagnosed following joint injection after May 21, 2012.

a Clinically diagnosed meningitis meaning one or more of the following symptoms: headache, fever, stiff neck, or photophobia and a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) profile showing pleocytosis (>5 white blood cells, adjusting for presence of red blood cells) regardless of glucose or protein levels.

b These people, if possible, should have a lumbar puncture.

c Clinically diagnosed septic arthritis meaning new or worsening pain with presence of effusion or new or worsening effusion.

Suspect Case:
A person who has developed an infection of a normally sterile site (e.g., blood, CSF, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, surgical aspirate, bone, joint fluid, or internal body site [e.g., lymph node, brain]) following use of a product labeled as sterile prepared by the New England Compounding Center (NECC).:tiphat:http://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/clinicians/casedef_multistate_outbreak.html
 
Re: US - 12 dead, 137 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 12 dead, 137 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

http://mynorthwest.com/?nid=789&sid=1231727
Source: Health News
Originally published: Oct 5, 2012 - 3:20 pm
Intense pain, confusing diagnosis mark meningitis

Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A week after her annual steroid shot for back pain, Janet Russell began getting unbearable headaches. A fever followed. Doctors admitted her to the hospital, but couldn't say what was wrong.

"She is screaming and nothing is helping. They have already given her medication, but nothing is helping," said Russell's daughter, Tracy Barreiro. "It continually escalated."
[snip]
Russell's husband, Robert, said his wife's doctor told him early on, "`You can call it meningitis, you can call it anything you want to, but quite frankly, nobody, not anybody in this country, knows what it is at this point because we have never seen it.'"

"They didn't really tell us it was a fungal meningitis until the CDC told them," he said....
Click to expand...
 
Re: US - 12 dead, 137 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 12 dead, 137 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

I posted a few days back about the business relationship between Ameridose and NECC. So, I've been keeping an eye out for reports that the investigation is widening to include looking at Ameridose.

"2nd firm agrees to temporary shutdown in outbreak"

"A Massachusetts company run by the same executives who operated a specialty pharmacy linked to a fatal meningitis outbreak has agreed to temporarily shut down for inspection by state and federal regulators.

Ameridose is located in Westborough, Mass. The New England Compounding Center, which produced a steroid linked to the outbreak, is in Framingham. Both firms are run by Barry Cadden and Greg Conigliaro.

Ameridose provides sterile medication in prefilled oral syringes to about 3,000 hospitals nationwide. It opened its doors in 2006, eight years after NECC opened.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health says Ameridose agreed to the shutdown until inspections by state regulators and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are completed.

There is no recall of Ameridose products."
 
Re: US - 12 dead, 137 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Re: US - 12 dead, 137 sick from suspected fungal meningitis as outbreak worsens

Unfortunately it appears we need to open a separate forum for this developing situation:

1) The CDC recommendation is that anyone with a headache who had an inoculation from any of the 3 recalled lots should be evaluated for fungal meningitis,

2) It appears meningitis caused by exserohilum fungus can be a chronic illness scenario,

3) With 13,000 inoculations there could be hundreds of cases developing over the next months as the fungus presents itself.
 
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