What Is Causing The Meningitis Outbreak? Contaminated Steroid Shots

The CDC, Centers for Disease Control, has reported over 35 cases of people who have contracted meningitis, and at least 5 deaths. What is causing this sudden meningitis outbreak? According to the CDC, tainted steroid shots are the culprit.

“Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges.The inflammation may be caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms, and less commonly by certain drugs.Meningitis can be life-threatening because of the inflammation's proximity to the brain and spinal cord; therefore the condition is classified as a medical emergency,” states Wikipedia.

A specialty pharmacy in Massachusetts is to blame for creating and distributing the tainted steroid shots. The company reportedly shipped the tainted steroids to 23 states, contributing to the spread of the meningitis outbreak. Millions of Americans take steroid shots for their backs. Doctors fear that this rare form of fungal meningitis could affect more than 1,000 Americans that were recently treated with the contaminated steroid shot.

There is treatment to prevent meningitis outbreak. “Early anti-fungal treatment can improve the outcome of these patients,” explained Dr. Benjamin Park, CDC. If you have had a steroid injection in the spine since July should check with their physician to see if they have contracted meningitis. Symptoms could take anywhere from one week to a month to be noticed and are quite subtle to notice.

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