The death toll in the fungal meningitis outbreak continues
to rise as of today. The death toll now
stands at 11 patients with 191 now ill. Federal
regulators estimate that between May 21 and September 25, approximately 13,000
people may have received the tainted steroid methylprednisolone acetate from the New England Compounding Center (NECC).
Following the
initial outbreak, the NECC recalled every one of its products and voluntarily
surrendered its license to operate.
While federal regulators continue to investigate, the death toll
continues to rise. Doctors and administrators are busy contacting thousands of
patients to request that they come in to test for symptoms of the non-
contagious fungal meningitis. Because the incubation period lasts from 2 days
to a month, patients could have fungal meningitis without being aware of it.
Patients who have received these steroid injections are encouraged to contact
their health care provider today for an evaluation.
What Caused the Outbreak?
What Caused the Outbreak?
To date, federal
investigators have found at least one tainted vial of fungus at the NECC’s facility. According to the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), compounding pharmacies such as the NECC are required to abide by the
strict guidelines required of pharmaceutical manufacturers. However, these pharmacies are allowed to run
virtually unchecked because of a legal loophole. You see, compounding pharmacies are in the
business of tailoring available medications to patient needs. Therefore, using available approved
medications, the NECC was able to change medications to suit the needs of the
patient. For example, if an elderly
patient could not swallow a pill, the medication could be turned into syrup to
swallow. Provided these pharmacies used
products already approved, they fly relatively below the radar. That is, until a potentially deadly outbreak
occurs. Who’s to blame?
If You Have Been Injured
If You Have Been Injured
If you have beeninjured in this recent outbreak of fungal meningitis, it is important that you
seek IMMEDIATE medical help to preserve your life. You may also want to contact one of our
experienced attorneys to explore your legal options.
