Meningitis Outbreak - Blog 6

Four people have recently died, while 30 other people have been sickened to the new outbreak of meningitis.  A rare outbreak of meningitis has occurred due to a contamination in a medicine known as Aspergillus.  People with back injuries or back pain, wanted relief so would take this medication almost like a spinal tap.  The medication was known as the lumbar epidural steroid injection.  Doctors say that between a few days up to four weeks is the amount of time until the disease becomes active.  These cases have so far only appeared in fie different states, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Maryland as well as Tennessee.  This drug was produced in New England, and it has been shipped to twenty- three different states throughout the country.  Pharmacies had been trying to contact the manufacturer of the treatment, but they have not been taking calls since Tuesday.   Doctors are encouraging people who have had this treatment to seek their doctor if they begin to get severe symptoms relating to this disease such as headaches, fever, nausea, and difficulty with balance, or slurred speech.  September 26^th after New England was informed of the issue regarding their drug, they were able to recall 3 lots of the drug.  On Wednesday, North Carolina decided to suspend the company’s privileges and to no longer do business there. 

            I believe this is a serious issue for people with back problems.  They all thought that this drug would help their back pains, but only gave the, a worse disease – meningitis.  I do believe that New England should stand up and take part for the mess that they have made – four deaths and thirty people severely sick.  The fact that the treatment was also sent to twenty– three other states should concern the government.  This will increase the number of people affected by this disease, as well due to the increase of meningitis; this could also lead to an increase of deaths.  The scientists who created this treatment need to put a stop on it, to prevent other people from going through the same mistake as I did. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/04/health/meningitis-outbreak-grows-with-cases-in-5-states.html?ref=health&_r=0