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Meningitis From Epidural Steroid Injection

Outbreak of Meningitis Cases from Epidural Steroid Injections

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are currently coordinating a multi-state investigation of fungal meningitis among patients who received an epidural steroid injection with a potentially contaminated product. At last count, the contaminated product has resulted in 137 cases of meningitis, and 9 deaths. This includes 9 cases of meningitis, and 1 death, in Maryland.

The product in question involves three lots of preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate (80mg/ml) recalled on September 26. The potentially contaminated injections were given starting May 21, 2012. This is not contagious.

How do You Know if Your Injection was Contaminated?

First, consult the CDC website and check the list of healthcare facilities that received potentially contaminated lots of Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) recalled from New England Compounding Center on September 26, 2012 to see if your healthcare provider is on the list that received the contaminated product. Second, contact your physician to confirm whether or not you received an injection from the contaminated lots. Finally, check to see if you or your loved one is experiencing the symptoms of meningitis below.

What are the Symptoms of Meningitis from Epidural Steroid Injections?

Not all patients who received epidural steroid injections will contract meningitis or become sick. Symptoms generally will occur within 1 to 4 weeks after the injection. The symptoms of meningitis are:

  • fever
  • new or worsening headache
  • neck stiffness
  • sensitivity to light
  • new weakness or numbness
  • increasing pain, redness or swelling of the injection site

What Should I do if I am Experiencing Symptoms of Meningitis from an Epidural Steroid Injection?

Consult your physician, or go to the emergency room immediately. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has helpful information that you should read.

Do I have a Legal Claim for Meningitis from Epidural Steroid Injections?

The law recognizes a legal claim if a manufacturer or distributor was negligent for manufacturing or distributing a product that was unreasonably dangerous, including situations where it failed to warn consumers of the dangers. You should consult an experienced personal injury attorney immediately if you or a loved one has contracted meningitis from an epidural steroid injection, or in the unfortunate situation where a death has occurred.

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