USA meningitis wave calls for 15. fatalities

Many people in the US suffer from meningitis from contaminated medicines

14/10/2012

The meningitis wave in the United States, caused by contaminated medicines, continues to spread. On Saturday, a fifteenth death toll from Atlanta was reported, according to the announcement from the US Department of Health „Centers of Disease Control and Prevention“ (CDC).

Currently, the meningitis outbreak is being reported by the CDC and the US drug regulatory agency „Food and Drug Administration“ (FDA). The triggers of meningitis are, according to the authorities, "contaminated drugs that have been injected directly into the spinal canal as painkillers." Against the manufacturer of the fungus contaminated drug, the „New England Compounding Center“ (NECC) of Massachusetts in the northeastern United States, has now filed the first lawsuit.

People in 13 states suffer from meningitis
The current wave of meningitis could become one of the biggest health scandals in US in recent years. Drugs have been delivered in 23 states, and in 13 states, people have already had meningitis after receiving an injection. Tens of thousands of people, according to experts, could be affected overall. Since the meningitis only occurs one to four weeks after the drug was administered, despite the recall of the potentially contaminated drug with a further increase in the number of people affected.

For meningitis symptoms consult a doctor
The US health authorities have asked physicians to contact patients who have been treated with the potentially contaminated drug over the past few months. According to the CDC, patients should also pay special attention and consult a physician if signs of meningitis such as fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting appear. „Symptoms such as confusion, dizziness and discomfort in bright lights“ should also be considered as possible evidence of fungal meningitis. Fortunately, however, the fungus-induced meningitis is not contagious.

First claim for damages against the manufacturer of contaminated drugs
Meanwhile, the first lawsuit was filed against the manufacturer of contaminated drugs, the news channel reported „CNN“. Minnesota-based Barbe Puro had received a contaminated batch of steroidal painkillers in September and was subsequently ill with meningitis. Now, Puro has filed for damages in an indefinite amount, also to obtain a precedent in the interests of all other stakeholders. A lawsuit could come to the pharmaceutical company, which brings massive compensation payments. Meanwhile, the first allegations are loud, the considerable criticism of the production practices at NECC practice. The Governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick, accused the company of misleading regulators and acting outside its license. (Fp)

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