On September 25, 2012, steroid injections were recalled by its Massachusetts manufacturer, New England Compounding Center, due to a contamination causing fungal meningitis. The sickness and death tolls from the contaminated steroid injections continue to rise, with 121 infected people and 12 reported deaths reported in ten states, according to state health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Where Is the Outbreak?
It is believed that over 17,000 vials of the steroid shot were dispersed in 23 states, with an estimated 13,000 possible exposures to the steroid shots. The state hit hardest by the outbreak so far is Tennessee, with 39 reported illnesses and 6 reported deaths.
Other States With Reported Cases of Meningitis
- Michigan
- Maryland
- Virginia
- Indiana
- Florida
- Minnesota
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- New Jersey
Rare Fungal Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection inflaming the membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord. Symptoms of Meningitis include headache, fever, nausea, and dizziness. The rare type of meningitis associated with this outbreak is caused by a fungus and is not contagious. It can take up to 28 days after exposure to begin developing symptoms of meningitis, so many exposed to the contaminated steroid shot have yet to develop symptoms. Experts expect the number of reported infections across the nation to continue to grow.
Peterson & Associates, P.C. Investigating Potential Cases of Meningitis
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with meningitis after having received a steroid shot, you may be entitled to compensation. For a free case evaluation, call us.