Law Offices of Mathys and Schneid in Illinois are Investigating Legal Claims Related to Recent Meningitis Outbreak

NAPERVILLE, IL, October 22, 2012 (Press-News.org) The attorneys at the Law Offices of Mathys & Schneid are investigating potential legal claims on behalf of patients who contracted meningitis following routine steroid injections for back pain. Back pain sufferers treated with steroid shots between July and September 2012 may be at risk of contracting fungal meningitis, a potentially deadly infection.

There have been over 185 cases of noncontagious fungal meningitis in 12 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Some 14,000 people may have received the injections. Fourteen patients have died so far from the meningitis infections, according to the CDC.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified cases in Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, and Indiana. Other states that may be affected include: California, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia.

Outbreak Linked to Massachusetts Pharmacy

A Massachusetts specialty pharmacy, New England Compounding Center, is suspected as the source of the steroid which has been associated with the meningitis outbreak. The FDA has closed down the New England Compounding Center of Framingham, Massachusetts, after the pharmacy recalled three lots consisting of a total of 17,676 single-dose vials of the steroid, preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate.

Methylprednisone is mostly used to treat older patients for lower back pain. If you have been treated with a steroid shot for back pain anytime during the summer of 2012, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Fungal Meningitis Symptoms

Meningitis is a life-threatening infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which are known as the "meninges." There are various causes of meningitis; fungal meningitis occurs after a fungal infection is directly introduced into the central nervous system. Fungal meningitis is not contagious.

Meningitis is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, headache and stiff neck, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia (sensitivity to light) and altered mental status.

Contact your doctor or health care provider immediately if you or a loved one suffers any of the side effects related to fungal meningitis. If you are unable to get to a doctor's office, call 911.

Attorneys Investigating Meningitis Outbreak

As the number of reported meningitis cases is expected to rise, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Mathys & Schneid are offering a free legal consultation with an experienced attorney to anyone who has contracted meningitis following a steroid injection. To receive your free case review, please contact the firm.

About The Law Offices of Mathys & Schneid

The attorneys at The Law Offices of Mathys & Shneid have decades of experience representing personal injury victims and their families. They have recovered millions in compensation for their clients. They only represent individuals and families. They do not represent insurance companies or corporations.

If you have contracted meningitis following a steroid injection, you should connect with an experienced law firm immediately. Contact the Law Offices of Mathys & Schneid immediately at (877) 662-5011 or visit them online at http://www.mathyslaw.com to discuss your case.