The pharmacy linked to a deadly outbreak of fungal meningitis is believed to have sent its products to over 23 states including Nevada. The outbreak which has been linked to steroid injections has sickened over one hundred and killed at least eleven people. According to NBC News, the steroids started being distributed on May 21, 2012, which is earlier than previously expected (the full article is available here, http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/08/14297235-fungal-meningitis-deaths-now-at-11-119-cases-confirmed?chromedomain=dailynightly). According to the Centers for Disease Control, fatalities have occurred in nine states and that 13,000 people may have been exposed to the disease. The drug linked to the illnesses is methylprednisolone acetate, which is common used to treat patients for lower back pain. The drug is often given to the elderly or victims of motor vehicle accidents. The drugs have been traced to the New England Compounding Center, which is a single compounding pharmacy. NBC News reports that the pharmacy has closed voluntarily, relinquished its state license and recalled all of its products. According to the article, the drugs were distributed without preservatives that are meant to prevent fungi and bacteria from growing. Patients who have been sickened by the outbreak suffer from flu like symptoms which often do not appear until several weeks after an injection. Fortunately this form of outbreak is extremely rare and is not contagious. Nevertheless, according to the Centers for Disease Control, the following symptoms have been reported among those infected with fungal meningitis:
- fever
- headache
- stiff neck
- nausea and vomiting
- sensitivity to light
- altered mental status
If you have recently received a steroid injection and suffer from any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
While occurrences such as this are relatively rare, from time to time people are sickened and injured by their medications. Often times these injuries and illnesses could have been avoided if the pharmaceutical companies had exercised reasonable care before exposing the public to their products. If you or a loved on has been injured by a bad drug you could be entitled to compensation. Nevada residents who have been injured as a result of bad drugs need the advice of a competent attorney. The attorneys at Connor & Connor Pllc are licensed to practice law before all Nevada sate and federal courts. We serve clients from all socioeconomic segments of our community and we will fight to ensure that you receive the compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured by a bad drug, contact one of the attorneys at Connor & Connor Pllc as soon as possible for a consultation. You may contact the firm at info@connorpllc.com, (702) 430-4614, (702) 749-5992 or visit www.connorpllc.com. You may also visit the firm's page on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/ConnorConnorPllc.
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