Meningitis Outbreak Reaches 18 States
10/29/2012
The meningitis outreak has reached 18 states after spreading to South Carolina yesterday, October 25th.
The infection was spread by a dose of bad steriods distributed by the New England Compounding Center of Massachusetts, who is currently under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is claiming that the group failed to produce their medications in sanitary conditions.
The death toll in the U.S. to date is 10 in Tennesse, five in Michigan, three in Florida and Indiana, two in Virginia and one in both Maryland and North Carolina. This does not include the seven cases in which the drug, though not fatal, was injected in a knee, hip, shoulder or elbow, resulting in meningitis infections in each of the corresponding areas of the treated individuals.
Those who suffered death were recieving the steriod injections to curb back pain. The steriod was injected into the individuals' spines, and because of the unexpected contamination, proved to be fatal. Likewise, the injections in various joints in the body served to treat various aches and pains of the individuals receiving the treatment.
Fortunately for those who have not come in contact with the contaminated drugs, this disease is not contagious. However in the event that you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms below, consult a doctor, as he or she may be infected with meningitis.
Meningitis Symptoms:
- fever
- headache
- stiff neck
- nausea/vomiting
- photophobia (light sensitivity)
For More on Diseases and Symptoms:
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