More Fungal Meningitis Cases Linked To Escambia County Clinic

October 25, 2012

The number of fungal meningitis cases linked to a local pain clinic is growing.

The Florida Department of Health confirmed Wednesday that a 60-year old man and a 36-year old woman who both received treatment at the Pain Consultants of West Florida in Escambia County have been diagnosed. This brings the total number of cases in Escambia County to seven, and the statewide total to 22, including three deaths.

“Our Department of Health continues to collaborate with numerous organizations to protect the health of Floridians,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “We assure our residents and visitors that fungal meningitis associated with this outbreak is not contagious.”

Nationwide, the number of cases of fungal meningitis related to contaminated steroid injections is 308 with 23 deaths across 17 states. This fungal meningitis is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person, the health department said.

The signs and symptoms of meningitis related to epidural NECC medication injections include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light and altered mental status. Symptoms for other possible infections related to NECC medications include fever; swelling, increasing pain, redness, warmth at injection site; vision changes, pain, redness or discharge from the eye; chest pain, or drainage from the surgical site (infection within the chest).

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News