Meningitis Outbreak Linked to Contaminated Steroid Injections

The Center for Disease Control reports that eleven people have died so far from a rare non-contagious fungal meningitis that is linked to an injectable preservative-free steroid called methylprednisolone acetate that was used to treat pain. 119 people have been infected, and that number will likely rise. As many as 13,000 people may have received medicine from the potentially contaminated injections. The injections were given starting May 21, 2012, with Minnesota having three confirmed cases thus far. Symptoms include headache, fever, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light. Anyone who has received an injection for spinal issues or pain after May 21, 2012, should consult their physician to learn what steps, if any, to take to deal with this situation.