The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with state and local health departments and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate meningitis outbreak of fungal infections among patients who have received a steroid injection of a potentially contaminated product into the spinal area. Several patients suffered strokes that are believed to have resulted from their infection. The investigation also includes fungal infections associated with injections in a joint, such as a knee, shoulder or ankle.
CDC and public health officials are telling patients who have symptoms that suggest possible meningitis or a possible peripheral joint infection to contact their physicians for further evaluation. Patients injected in a joint only are not believed to be at risk for fungal meningitis but could be at risk for joint infection.
The FDA is also now advising physicians to follow-up with patients who received any injectable product purchased from or produced by the New England Compounding Center (NECC) after May 21, 2012.
- View Current Situation Update from CDC
- View CDC Health Advisory
- View CDC Guidance to Patients
- View Affected Health Care Facilities
For More Information
The meningitis outbreak is still under investigation, and CDC's guidance to patients has not changed as a result of this voluntary recall. If you have had an injection since May 21, 2012, are feeling ill or experiencing any meningitis symptoms, or are concerned about whether they received a contaminated medication should contact their physician immediately.
Visit the CDC Web Site for the latest updates and patient information.
