At this time, CDC does not recommend initiation of antifungal prophylaxis in exposed patients who are asymptomatic. These patients should be closely monitored for development of symptoms, with a low threshold for performing lumbar puncture should the patient become symptomatic. In addition, CDC does not recommend empiric antifungal therapy for symptomatic patients who have normal cerebrospinal fluid laboratory examination. These patients should be closely monitored and re-evaluated should their symptoms worsen.

Make plans in advance to secure your home. Protect your windows by installing hurricane shutters or board up windows with plywood.

Added the following information: All vials of Methylprednisolone Acetate that were sent to Nevada were recalled prior to use.

Instructions for Clinical Teams Regarding Diagnostic Testing and Specimen Submission to CDC - utbreak Associated With Injection of Potentially Contaminated Steroid Products

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to work closely with state public health departments on a multistate investigation of fungal meningitis among patients who received an epidural steroid injection. Some of these patients also suffered strokes that may have resulted from their infection. These cases are associated with a potentially contaminated steroid medication prepared by New England Compounding Center (NECC), located in Framingham, Mass. This HAN notice provides updated information about the investigation (including a change in the case definition*), laboratory findings, an expanded voluntary recall of products, and recommendations for clinicians.

FAQs for Patients: Multistate Meningitis Outbreak Investigation

CDC is coordinating a multistate investigation of meningitis among patients who received epidural steroid injections (medication injected into the spine). Several of these patients have had strokes related to the meningitis. In several patients, the meningitis was found to be caused by a fungus that is common in the environment but rarely causes meningitis. This form of meningitis is not contagious. The source of the fungus has not yet been identified, and the cause of infections in the other patients is still being assessed.

Persons with Meningitis Linked to Epidural Steroid Injections, by State

Instructions for Clinical Teams Regarding Diagnostic Testing and Specimen Submission to CDC - Outbreak Associated With Injection of Potentially Contaminated Steroid Products

Case Definitions: Multistate Outbreak Associated with Injection of Potentially Contaminated Steroid Products

Frequently Asked Questions: Multistate Meningitis Outbreak Investigation

Role of Antifungal Prophylaxis in Asymptomatic Patients

Lumbar Puncture in Asymptomatic Patients

The pathogens involved in this cluster of infections are still under investigation. At present, there is culture and/or histopathologic evidence of fungal infection in at least nine patients; isolates have included Aspergillus spp. and Exserohilum spp.

Persons with Meningitis Linked to Epidural Steroid Injections, by State

List of Healthcare Facilities which Received Lots of Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) Recalled from New England Compounding Center on September 26, 2012

The eradication of polio is an important priority for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of early 2012, the world is not on track to eradicate polio by the end of the year. Yet, we are closer than we have ever been to eradicating polio and it is critical that we take advantage of this opportunity.

CDC is coordinating a multistate investigation of meningitis among patients who received epidural steroid injections (medication injected into the spine). Several of these patients have had strokes related to the meningitis. In several patients, the meningitis was found to be caused by a fungus that is common in the environment but rarely causes meningitis. This form of meningitis is not contagious. The source of the fungus has not yet been identified, and the cause of infections in the other patients is still being assessed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are coordinating a multi-state investigation of fungal meningitis among patients who received an epidural steroid injection. Several of these patients also suffered strokes that are believed to have resulted from their infection. As of October 4, 2012, five deaths have been reported. Fungal meningitis is not transmitted from person to person. These cases are associated with a potentially contaminated medication. Investigation into the exact source is ongoing; however, interim data show that all infected patients received injection with preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate (80mg/ml) prepared by New England Compounding Center, located in Framingham, MA.

Have you used any 1st Aid supplies this hurricane season? Make sure you have essential first aid items such as bandages, antibiotic ointment, scissors, etc.