Fungal Meningitis Continues to Grow Worse

As the East Coast gets pummeled by Hurricane Sandy, the region was treated to more discouraging news.  The meningitis outbreak is not yet over.  And it continues to grow worse.  As of this morning, nonfatal cases of fungal meningitis are up to 363, and the death toll is up to 28. 

Following the discovery of the fungal meningitis contaminant in a compounding pharmacy, thousands of tainted steroids were distributed across the United States.  With huge efforts from the FDA, the CDC, and media attention coast to coast, government officials had hoped the recall of these tainted steroids reached everyone.  The further hope was that patients exhibiting the signs of fungal meningitis would get the help that they needed.  If you are concerned, we've got the information that you need to keep yourself safe from harm.

Symptoms of Fungal Meningitis

Fungal meningitis is not contagious, but it can be deadly.  If you exhibit any of these signs, please seek medical help immediately. 

Early signs of fungal meningitis include:

  • fever
  • headache
  • stiff neck
  • nausea and vomiting
  • phototopia (sensitivity to light)
  • altered mental status
It's easy to mistake these early symptoms as a cold, or the normal aches and pains associated with aging.  However, if these symptoms are ignored, they can progress to more serious symptoms such as:

  • falling blood pressure
  • fast heart rate
  • rapid breathing
  • sepsis
  • gangrene of the limbs/ fingers/ toes
  • seizures
  • inflammation of the cranial nerves
  • encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
  • blood clots
  • death
What to do if You've Contracted Fungal Meningitis

If you've contracted fungal meningitis, it is important to seek immediate medical help in order to save your life.  Following your medical treatment, you should contact an attorney to preserve your rights. Fungal meningitis could seriously affect a person's entire life, forever altering their quality of life.  A victim may be unable to work ever again or to feed their family because of these tainted steroids.  If you or your loved ones have suffered from fungal meningitis, please contact a skilled attorney today.