A fourth person linked to the outbreak of fungal meningitis resulting from procedures performed at clinics in Matamoros, Mexico, has died, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports.
Since the middle of last May, the health authorities warned that several Americans who underwent surgery in Matamoros were diagnosed with fungal meningitis. The infections occurred in patients who came to receive services at the River Side Surgical Center clinics and the K3 Clinic, in Matamoros.
So far at least 221 Americans are known to have gotten sick. For those who did not attend these clinics between January 1 and May 13 of this year, the risk of contracting this disease is dramatically lower.
Regarding the four deaths, it is stated that two of the cases have been classified as probable while the other two were confirmed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, photophobia (an annoying visual condition that can cause intolerance to light, sunlight, or artificial light). ) and altered mental status.
CDC RECOMMENDATIONS
- If you received an epidural in Matamoros, Mexico, at River Side Surgical Center or K-3 Clinic between January 1 and May 13, 2023, you should go to a health center, urgent care center, or emergency room as soon as possible. possible to be evaluated for fungal meningitis, even if you do not currently have symptoms.
- Starting treatment immediately greatly increases the chance of survival.
- Fungal meningitis infections are not contagious and are not spread from person to person.
- Advice to the public: Cancel any scheduled procedures involving an epidural injection of an anesthetic in Matamoros, Mexico, until there is evidence that there is no longer a risk of infection at these medical facilities.
