By now you've likely heard about the latest outbreak of meningitis that has led to at least 11 deaths and more than 100 illnesses nationwide. Should you be worried? No, unless you've had a steroid shot in your spine in the past five months.
Meningitis is a disease resulting in the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It typically results from a viral infection, though the cause may sometimes be bacterial. The severity and treatment of meningitis differs according to the type of infection, which is why it is important to know the specific cause.
The two common types of meningitis, bacterial and viral, are contagious. Viral meningitis is serious and can lead to permanent problems. It is, however, rarely fatal for people with normal immune systems. Bacterial meningitis is life-threatening and frequently fatal if not treated quickly. Childhood and adolescent vaccines have greatly decreased the incidence of bacterial meningitis among those who are immunized.
This latest outbreak is the rarely seen fungal meningitis, which is not contagious. It can develop after a fungus (http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/) spreads through the bloodstream or as a result of the fungus being introduced directly into the central nervous system. This outbreak involves patients receiving back injections of a steroid likely contaminated by a fungus. The potentially contaminated medication was shipped around the country starting May 21 and recalled Sept. 26, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms of fungal meningitis may include fever, headache, nausea, sensitivity to light, confusion and stroke. According to the CDC, symptoms started one to four weeks after the shots. If you or someone you know received a lumbar epidural steroid injection after May 21 and are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact a physician right away or, in cases of emergency, go to the nearest emergency room. Fungal meningitis is treated with high-dose antifungal medications, usually given intravenously, in a hospital.
Dr. Scott Breidbart
Chief medical officer for Empire BlueCross BlueShield