Fungal Meningitis Outbreak Spreads to Illinois

November 29, 2012 (Press-News.org) The fungal meningitis outbreak caused by contaminated medications produced by the New England Compounding Center has spread to Illinois. Individuals who may have been exposed to the contaminated medication should look out for the symptoms of fungal meningitis and may be able to hold the pharmacy that produced the drug accountable for their infections.

The national outbreak reaches Illinois

The fungal meningitis outbreak that has caused 328 illnesses and 24 deaths nationwide as of late October 2012 has now spread to Illinois patients and health care facilities. While there has been only one confirmed case of fungal meningitis in Illinois attributed to contaminated medication from the NECC, hundreds of patients have received letters from their health care systems warning them that a medication they received came from the NECC and, while not in the contaminated batch, to be alert to changes in their health that may indicate a fungal meningitis infection.

The national fungal meningitis outbreak was caused by contaminated steroid shots used to treat back pain. The medication was administered through epidurals and has been recalled. Eighteen states have been affected by the tainted medication, including Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Ohio.

Fungal meningitis: a rare but serious infection

Fungal meningitis is a rare infection where a fungus grows and spreads through the blood to the spinal cord. It is not contagious. People at highest risk of acquiring fungal meningitis are those with compromised immune systems, who typically acquire the infection when exposed to Cryptococcus, a fungus found in soils contaminated by bird droppings. However, anyone injected with a medication contaminated with the fungus may acquire the infection.

Symptoms of fungal meningitis include headache, fever, stiff neck, nausea, an altered mental state and sensitivity to light. Treatment involves high doses of anti-fungal medications administered intravenously.

The Centers for Disease Control encourages anyone who believes the contaminated medication was used to treat their back pain to contact their physician to confirm their suspicions. Fungal meningitis symptoms usually present within one to four weeks of someone being exposed to the fungus, but can occur months after exposure, so patients must be diligent when looking for symptoms.

Who is liable for the fungal meningitis outbreak?

All pharmacies have the responsibility to warn physicians about any and all dangers and side effects their drugs may cause in patients. It is then the responsibility of the physicians to warn his or her patients of these side effects. Typically, it can be difficult for patients to hold pharmacies responsible for injuries caused by medications because doctors have the responsibility to inform patients of a medication's risks, not the pharmacy.

However, in the case of the current fungal meningitis outbreak, it was not likely that the pharmacy knew of the contamination prior to shipping the medication to physicians. This means the pharmacy was negligent in informing the doctors of the dangers the drug may pose to patients, leaving the pharmacy vulnerable to lawsuits from patients.

If you or a loved one has been infected by a contaminated medication and believe the pharmacy's negligence is to blame, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you hold the pharmacy and other liable parties responsible.

Article provided by Cogan & McNabola, P.C.
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