How to Know if You’re at Risk
Since mid-September, the United States has been on high alert to cases of fungal meningitis contracted through contaminated injections of methylprednisolone acetate (MPA), a steroid typically used for the treatment of back and joint pain. The tainted shots have been traced to the New England Compounding Center (NECC), and the CDC reports that among the 14,000 people who received the shots in 19 states, 620 cases of fungal meningitis have been confirmed and 39 people have died.
The Florida Department of Health has confirmed 25 cases and three deaths in this state, and is concerned that the numbers may continue to rise. If you are one of the unfortunate people who received a contaminated injection, you may still be at risk – the most recent case in Florida involved a man who developed fungal meningitis 4.5 months after his injection, far longer than the expected incubation period of 90 days.
You may be at risk if:
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You Received a Steroid Injection. You received an MPA steroid injection sometime between May 21, 2012 and September 26, 2012 in your spine or in one of your peripheral joints (e.g., knee, shoulder or ankle).
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You Received Treatment at One of the Following Florida Clinics: Florida Pain Clinic (Ocala), Interventional Rehabilitation Center (Pensacola), Marion Pain Management Center (Ocala), North County Surgicenter (Palm Beach Gardens), Orlando Center For Outpatient Surgery (Orlando), Pain Consultants Of West Florida (Pensacola), Surgery Center Of Ocala (Ocala), Surgical Park Center (Miami). For a complete list of clinics in the US who received lots of the recalled injections, visit the CDC website.
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You Begin To Exhibit Symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, even if they are mild, you should see your doctor immediately:
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Headache
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Fever
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Nausea
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Light sensitivity
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Weakness or numbness anywhere on your body
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Stiff neck
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Slurred speech
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Pain, redness or swelling at the site of your injection
Fungal infections can be slow to develop, so you and your doctor should be highly attentive to even the mildest of symptoms. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of early anti-fungal treatment.
If you or someone you love has developed fungal meningitis or any other condition after a medical treatment, call our office today to see if you are entitled to compensation.
Posted in Personal Injury
Tagged Florida Department of Health, Florida personal injury attorneys, fungal infections, medical treatments
