Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis Continues

Epidural and joint injections of preservative-free compounded steroids have led to an outbreak of meningitis and arthritis in the U.S.

An outbreak of fungal infection attributed to contaminated steroids continues to grow. The CDC is updating its website daily with case counts, deaths, and a map of affected areas. In the meantime, MMWR has published a description of the outbreak as of October 10, when there were 137 cases and 12 deaths in 10 states.

The first case was reported on September 18, 2012, when the Tennessee Department of Health was notified of a patient diagnosed with Aspergillus fumigatus meningitis 46 days after epidural steroid injection. By September 27, public health officials had identified eight additional patients in Tennessee and North Carolina who were suffering from meningitis following epidural steroid injections, but no organisms could be recovered. A…

Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter