DOH Release: FL Department of Health Confirms Another Case of Fungal Meningitis

From: DOH COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 12:45 PM
Subject: DOH Release: FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CONFIRMS ANOTHER CASE OF FUNGAL MENINGITIS
Importance: High

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                  

October 29, 2012       

Contact: DOH Communications

Jessica Hammonds, (850) 245-4111

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CONFIRMS ANOTHER CASE

 OF FUNGAL MENINGITIS
~Florida total reaches 23 ~

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Health (DOH) today confirmed a case of fungal meningitis associated with contaminated lots of methylprednisolone acetate. A 69 year old woman who received treatment at the Florida Pain Clinic in Marion County is the state’s newest case, bringing the state’s total to 23 cases of fungal meningitis, including three deaths.

“We are continuously working with our federal, state and local partners to implement Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of patients who received contaminated steroid injections,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “We are dedicated to providing timely care, proper follow-up and support to each patient.”

As of Friday, October 27, the nationwide number of cases of fungal meningitis related to contaminated steroid injections is 344 with 25 deaths across 18 states. Fungal meningitis associated with the contaminated steroids from NECC is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person.

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).

DOH and the Department of Professional and Business Regulation will continue to update the Department websites at http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/ or http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/. DOH has set up a toll-free hotline at 1-866-523-7339 for those who may have additional questions.

The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.