TORONTO – Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people who got routine steroid shots for back pain in the U.S. could be at risk of deadly fungal meningitis.
The shots were given between July and September into the spinal column of patients getting pain treatments, and officials say a tainted steroid suspected to have caused a meningitis outbreak has now made its way to 75 clinics in 23 states. (Note that this is not the same type of medication as epidurals given to women during childbirth).
So far, 35 people in six states – Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Florida, North Carolina and Indiana – have contracted fungal meningitis, and five of them have died, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
But what is fungal meningitis? We tell you the causes, symptoms, treatment, and more with information from the CDC.
What is meningitis? It’s an infection of three membranes that are called the meninges. These membranes cover the brain and spinal column and become inflamed in meningitis. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection with bacteria or a virus, but can also be caused by fungi.
Get daily National news
What is fungal meningitis? It is when the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord are infected with a fungus. This can happen after a fungus spreads through the bloodstream from another location in the body, if the fungus directly enters the central nervous system, or from an infection in the body next to the central nervous system.
What type of fungus is responsible for this case? It’s called Aspergillus fungus, and it floats in the air all around us, rarely making people sick. Usually the body destroys it right after Aspergillus spores are inhaled. It’s found in decaying leaves, trees, grain, soil, household dust, heating ducts and building materials. It can also cause skin infection if it enters a cut on your body. The fact that the fungus was present in an injection into the spinal column allowed a rapid way for it to cause serious infection (though it’s still unclear how the fungus got into the medication in this case).
Who is at risk for fungal meningitis? Though fungal meningitis is rare, anyone can get it. Those with AIDS, leukemia or people with immune deficiencies are at higher risk.
Who is at risk for Aspergillus fungal infection? People with cystic fibrosis or asthma may wheeze and cough, and people with weakened immune systems, like those who’ve had transplant surgery or are getting chemotherapy for cancer, may experience more serious infection. This invasive infection can cause fever, chest pain and shortness of breath.
Is it contagious? No- fungal meningitis does not spread from person to person, but instead is usually inhaled from the environment. You can also get it after taking medications that weaken your immune system like steroids, post -organ transplant medications, or anti-TNF medications.
What are the signs and symptoms? Headache, fever, nausea, stiffness of the neck (also signs of other types of meningitis) along with mental changes like confusion, dizziness, sensitivity to bright lights, hallucinations and personality changes. Tennessee officials said some of the patients in this case also experienced slurred speech and difficulty walking and urinating.
How is fungal meningitis diagnosed? Samples of blood or spinal cord fluid are taken by a doctor and tested in a lab.
How is it treated? High doses of antifungal medications are given, often using an IV line in the hospital. The length of treatment depends on the strength of your immune system, so people with AIDS, diabetes or cancer often need longer treatment.
With files from The Canadian Press, The Associated Press
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.