Some medical authorities have suggested that the 14,000 or more patients at risk for developing the deadly fungal meningitis strain should be tested. Testing is a wise precaution. But those patients whose tests come back negative might still be at risk according to federal health officials from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. (Source: Ferre Dollar, CNN, 10.11.12)
At least 14 people have died and almost 200 cases of the deadly fungal meningitis strain have already been identified in 12 U.S. states. The disease comes from steroid medication supplied by the New England Compounding Center (NECC), a compounding pharmacy that has been investigated before by state and federal health officials for violations and shady practices.
Vials of the steroid medication from NECC have been found contaminated with the Exserobilum and Aspergillus strains of fungus. Exserobilum is not typically seen in the body and can be difficult to detect with existing tests. Symptoms from the Exserobilum strain of fungus can take up to a month or more to develop, meaning that a negative test today does not mean that a patient should not obtain an additional test in the future.
Fungal meningitis can take months to show symptoms in infected patients
Health officials have now said that patients who received the contaminated steroid shots should remain vigilant for at east several MONTHS after the injection. If infected, a patient faces a course of treatment that might include months of hospitalization and anti-fungal medication treatments, usually delivered intravenously. These treatments, recommended by the CDC, are rather strong and can be difficult for some patients to tolerate.
The Texas drug injury attorneys at Denena & Points understand the stress and uncertainty faced by the patients who have received the contaminated steroid injections. Because the infection could be deadly, we urge such patients to follow the recommendations of the CDC. Remain vigilant and obtain additional testing if initial tests come back negative. In the event of a positive test, immediately seek treatment.
Get the help you need NOW
To defray the heavy burden of your additional medical expenses from the contaminated steroid injection, you should also seek just financial compensation for the harm and suffering you have endured. Contact the Texas drug injury attorneys at Denena & Points for a FREE, no obligation legal consultation to learn what you should do to win your financial recovery.
Chad Points and Tony Denena have more than 14 years of experience helping needlessly injured victims to win fair financial compensation from the negligent parties that caused their suffering. We can help you too. Call us today, or contact us online. We’re always available for a free initial consultation whenever you need us.