America is dealing with a deadly meningitis outbreak. The bacterial infection, which produces flu-like symptoms, has killed five people so far and there are dozens of cases across six states.
An outbreak of a rare form of fungal meningitis has resulted in five deaths in the United States and there are 35 reported cases in half a dozen states. Tennessee has taken the hardest hit as three people have died and 25 more have contracted the disease in the state. Most of the cases have been found in older adults, according to CBS.
The disease often produces flu-like symptoms which can take up to a month to appear. Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, a stiff neck, vomiting or nausea, difficulty concentrating, seizures, fatigue, a lack of appetite, sensitivity to light and sometimes skin rashes.
This particular type of meningitis is called aspergillus meningitis. This fungal meningitis is very rare and quite serious. Cases that go untreated can lead to permanent neurological damage and even death.
Fungal meningitis is diagnosed with a lumbar puncture. During this process, cerebrospinal fluid is drawn from the spine and examined for traces of the disease. Treatment includes a high-dosage of antifungal medications that are usually administered at a hospital though an IV.
Unlike other forms of meningitis, this fungal meningitis is not contagious. It is usually caused by fungus found in leaf mold.
Officials suspect that the disease was caused by contaminated steroid medications that are used to treat back pain. According to CBS News, the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have advised hospitals and medical centers to not use medications that were produced by the New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Massachusetts as some of the cases seem to have stemmed as a result of their products.
The New England Compounding Center's injectable steroid, methylprednisolone acetate from as far back as July 2012, has been recalled. It is believed that over 900 people in the area received the medication.
In addition to Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Florida, North Carolina and Indiana have all reported cases of people who contracted the disease. Clinics in 23 states have been advised to notify their patients as they could have been treated with the contaminated drug. These states include California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Texas and West Virginia.
"If patients are concerned, they should contact their physician to find out if they received a medicine from one of these lots," said Dr. Benjamin Park of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told ABC.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
