Fungal Meningitis Investigation
Updated November 1, 2012:
- Georgia was recently notified by the CDC that a facility in the Macon area received a shipment of preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate prepared by New England Compounding Center. This medication has been recalled after reports of fungal meningitis among patients who received the epidural steroid injection, used to treat back pain. Several of these patients also suffered strokes that are believed to have resulted from their infection.
- The name of the facility identified in Macon is the Forsyth Street Ambulatory Surgery Center. All individuals who received this particular medication from this particular facility have received a phone call.
- We know that many people in our area receive this type of medication and are understandably concerned about this situation. We want to assure you that we, along with the facility, are working diligently to identify any patients who may be experiencing symptoms.
- The number of persons potentially exposed is 184. It was initially reported that the number of exposed persons was 189, but it was later discovered that some individuals received more than one injection and were counted more than once.
- As of October 31, there are 377 cases nationwide and 28 deaths. There has been 1 reported case from Georgia.
- In an alert sent to approximately 32,000 physicians and physician assistants in Georgia, DPH Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D., noted the difficulty in diagnosing fungal meningitis is its subtlety. She asked physicians in the area to be extra vigilant to identify possible cases.
- CDC and FDA recommend healthcare professionals cease use of any product produced by the New England Compounding Center until further information is available.
- Out of an abundance of caution, FDA released a statement advising physicians to follow-up with patients who received an injectable product, including an ophthalmic drug that is injectable or used in conjunction with eye surgery, as well as a cardioplegic solution purchased from or produced by the New England Compounding Center (NECC) after May 21, 2012. For more information, visit the FDA website at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm322734.htm
CDC: Multistate Meningitis Outbreak - CDC's website with the most updated information regarding this outbreak
DPH News Release Oct. 23 - Georgia Department of Public Health Announces Fungal Meningitis Case in Georgia
DPH News Release Oct. 16 - All NECC Products Added to Watch List
DPH News Release Oct. 5 - Public Health Warns of Potential Fungal Meningitis Risk