Tennessee Struck by Meningitis Outbreak from Tainted Steroid Injections: 35 Cases Reported, 5 Deaths

According to a CNN.com news report, patients in nine different states have contracted a noncontagious form of meningitis linked to contaminated steroid injections. The total number of people who have contracted the deadly fungal meningitis has soared to 105 as of October 8, 2012 and the bacterial infection has been contracted after patients were injected in their spine with a preservative-free steroid called methylprednisolone acetate, which was contaminated by a fungus. This particular steroid is used to treat inflammation and pain. The report states that presently the death toll remains at seven. Federal health inspectors began inspecting the plant where the contaminated steroid is made on October 1, ultimately finding fungus in unopened vials of the drug.

Health officials report that 76 medical facilities in 23 states received the contaminated steroid injections from the New England Compounding Center (NECC).

Confirmed cases of the meningitis outbreak have been found in Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and North Carolina, and death have been reported in Virginia, Tennessee, Michigan, and Maryland. Currently, Tennessee has the highest number of overall cases, 35, and five fatalities.

The NECC, which is the Massachusetts-based pharmacy that made the contaminated injections, issued a voluntarily recall for the three lots of the injected steroid as well as all of its other products. The latter recall was announced out of an “abundance of caution,” though there is no indication that any other products have been contaminated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked doctors, clinics, and consumers to immediately stop use of any of the pharmacy’s products.

The pharmacy voluntarily surrendered its license to operate until the FDA investigation has been completed. Health officials are urging patients who received an injection at one of the facilities that received the steroid beginning July 1 and began showing symptoms of fungal meningitis, which includes dizziness and confusion, to see a doctor immediately.

Facilities in TN that may contain tainted steroid shots include the following:

• PCA Pain Care Center – Oak Ridge, TN (865) 835-5196
• Specialty Surgery Center – Crossville, TN (931) 484-2500 x125
• St. Thomas Outpatient Neurosurgical – Nashville, TN (615) 341-3433

A list of additional facilities throughout the U.S. can be found here: www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/meningitis-facilities-map.html.

The Tennessee meningitis steroid shot lawyers of Massey & Associates, P.C. understand the dangerous impact a defective drug can have on the life of a patient. Our legal team is committed to protecting the rights of patients who have been harmed by a dangerous drug and will work to receive the compensation you need to recuperate. For a free consultation on your case, call (423) 697-4529.