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.

Children are not just small adults; their growing minds and bodies have unique physical, physiological, developmental and mental health needs. These differences become especially apparent - and warrant increased attention and care - before, during and after a disaster strikes.

You can't respond to threats if you don't know what they are, which is one reason that laboratories play such an important role in public health. Public health laboratories have helped detect all kinds of threats to the public's health; including anthrax, monkey pox, novel flu viruses, and foodborne disease outbreaks caused by germs like listeria.

Children with underlying medical conditions, to include neurological disorders, are at higher risk for influenza-associated complications. During the 2009-2010 Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic, children with neurological disorders experienced a greater burden of morbidity and mortality. Influenza prevention and control strategies in this at-risk population should include coordinated care among clinicians and the children's families. During this COCA call, subject matter experts will discuss subspecialist and primary care pediatrician collaborations regarding influenza prevention and control strategies for improving care for high-risk children.

Know what kinds of foods are better to keep in your emergency food supply.

One of the strongest threads woven into the fabric of American culture is that of volunteer service. When someone is in need, we ask what can be done to help. This is never more evident than during a time of disaster.

Public health emergencies often evolve rapidly and become too complex for effective improvisation; therefore, an effective response requires planning in advance of the event. Effective planning strategies should include Disaster Risk Reduction tactics to mitigate the health impact of disasters. CDC is working in partnership with the Medical Reserve Corps to provide public health, medical and other volunteers with an accurate understanding of the principles of Disaster Risk Reduction. These principles will assist volunteers to make decisions that support building community public health resiliency. Please join us for this COCA call where a subject matter expert will discuss the principles for effective, efficient and orderly processes for disaster planning.

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.

Planning for emergencies is important, especially since your family may not be together when disaster hits. Make sure to involve your children in the planning process, when you include children they're more likely to remember the plan and act on it.

Cleaning and sanitizing your home after a hurricane or emergency is important to help prevent the spread of illness and disease.