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 peripheral
joint space, such as a knee, shoulder or ankle. CDC and public
health officials are referring any patients who have symptoms
that suggest possible meningitis or a possible peripheral joint
infection to their physicians who can evaluate them further.
Those patients injected in peripheral joints only are not
believed to be at risk for fungal meningitis but could be at
risk for joint infection. For more information on the current
situation click
here.
North Dakota Department of Health -
Health Alerts and News Releases
Health care professionals and patients may dial FDA’s Drug
Information Line at 855-543-DRUG (3784) and
press * to get the most recent information
regarding the meningitis recall and speak directly to a
pharmacist
Suspect or concerning cases should be reported to the North
Dakota Department of Health by calling 800.472.2180
or 701.328.2378
Clinicians are also requested to report any suspected adverse
events following use of NECC products to FDA's MedWatch program
at 1-800-332-1088 or
www.fda.gov/medwatch
