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Fungal Meningitis Death Toll Continues to Rise Nationwide
The number of people who have died as a result of fungal meningitis infections linked to vials of contaminated steroid injections has increased to 28. According to an ABC news report, a total of 386 cases of fungal meningitis have been reported across 19 states. The outbreak has been linked to tainted vials of methylprednisolone acetate, a steroid that is used to treat patients with joint and back pain. The steroid vials were made by New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Massachusetts. Health officials determined that they were contaminated with a type of fungus that is found in soil and plants. Several clinics across the country received these defective products.
Federal officials from various agencies are still trying to determine what caused this contamination. So far investigators have made a number of appalling findings including soiled floor mats, debris and unsanitary conditions near sterile drug-mixing areas. Sealed vials of two other drugs that are used for open-heart surgeries contained bacteria, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report. The pharmacy has recalled all of its products and shut down operations.
Symptoms of Fungal Meningitis
According the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of the signs and symptoms of fungal meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, photophobia or sensitivity to light, dizziness and confusion. What is tricky about fungal meningitis is the fact that the symptoms may not surface for more than a month after the person has been injected with the contaminated steroid. In one case, the symptoms of the infection did not surface for until six weeks after receiving the steroid. CDC officials are advising anyone who suspects they have received the contaminated steroid to get tested for infection.
Liability Issues
Victims of fungal meningitis infections can file a product liability claim against the pharmacy seeking compensation for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, loss of wages and benefits, cost of hospitalization, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc.
If you or a loved one has been affected by these defective products, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can provide you with more information about pursuing your legal rights. Our firm has recovered many millions of dollars for victims of medical negligence. Please call our offices 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: ABC News
