The national fungal meningitis outbreak responsible for 39 deaths and more than 500 people becoming ill has now been linked to new illnesses. According to a recent article, the black mold that has contaminated the steroid shots has caused spinal infections in some patients. The mold infiltrates the spine of patients near the injection site and in some cases spreading to patients' bones, causing significant pain.
The infections are a new and separate development in addition to meningitis. They are considered a "second wave" of fungal infections caused by contaminated drugs. The infection may cause excruciating abscesses and inflamed nerves in patient's backs that are difficult to cure.
If you have received one of the tainted shots its imperative to speak to a medical professional right away. It is also a good idea to consult with an experienced San Francisco personal injury law firm with a proven record of helping clients who are victims of pharmaceutical negligence.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health alert this past week stating that it was concerned that patients with spinal infections may not even be aware of their condition since the symptoms mimic the back pain they originally sought to treat with steroids. The head of infectious disease at an Ann Arbor, Michigan hospital notes: "People could be walking around with infections and they do not know it….If they are untreated, they will cause pressure and damage to the spinal cord, and the concern then is about losing function."
The back infections add another layer of concern to those being treated for meningitis. It is unknown how long many of the patients must remain on the anti-fungal medications – and many of the drugs are causing debilitating side effects.
For more information or if you have received a tainted shot, please contact the knowledgeable San Francisco personal injury lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation. We have years of experience helping clients affected by meningitis and other infectious diseases through the negligence of others.