Meningitis-Contaminated Steroid Injections in Georgia and Across Nation Cause Illnesses, Deaths

By Grant Law Office on October 9, 2012

Methylprednisolone acetate steroid injections manufactured by the New England Compounding Center (NECC) have caused 105 infections, eight of which have become fatal, as of October 8 due to being contaminated by fungal meningitis. As reported by USA Today, the contaminated injections were distributed to medical facilities in 23 states, including Georgia. The steroids were injected into patients’ spinal cords for treatment of pain and inflammation and were distributed to 76 clinics across the United States.

The full list of affected facilities can be found at www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/meningitis-facilities-map.html. The Forsyth Street Ambulatory Surg. Center in Macon is the only facility in Georgia. Meningitis is a virus, bacteria, or fungus infection that causes inflammation of the protective membrane around the brain and spinal cord. If not treated quickly and properly, the infection can easily worsen and become fatal. Although fungal meningitis is not contagious, such cases are commonly very serious.

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigates the company and the cause of the contamination, the NECC has recalled not only its steroid injections but all products in case there have been other contaminations. All clinics, medical workers, and consumers have been warned by the FDA to stop using all NECC products, and anyone who received an injection on or after July 1 and has experienced symptoms of an infection must see a doctor immediately.

Fungal meningitis symptoms often start off slowly and mildly and can include dizziness, nausea, headache, fever, confusion, and discomfort from being exposed to bright lights. An infection may only result in one or two of these symptoms.

At The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., our Georgia meningitis steroid injection attorneys can provide you with the skilled representation you need if you have contracted meningitis as the result of drug manufacturer negligence or medical malpractice. Having handled numerous cases involving meningitis infection, we are aware of the physical, financial and emotional impact of the illness and can help you obtain fair compensation for your losses. For more information on how we can aid you in your claim, call (404) 995-3955.