All articles tagged with #fungal meningitis
Originally Published 5 months ago — by CIDRAP
A significant outbreak of fungal meningitis caused by Fusarium species occurred among US residents who received epidural anesthesia for cosmetic surgeries in Matamoros, Mexico, resulting in 12 deaths out of 24 cases, highlighting the risks of medical tourism and the importance of improved communication and safety standards.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Newser
A study of a fungal meningitis outbreak in Americans who underwent cosmetic procedures in Mexico highlights the risks of medical tourism, with researchers finding that the Fusarium solari fungus was introduced to patients' spinal canals during an epidural, leading to devastating results. The fungus, commonly found in the environment, caused strokes and hemorrhages by aggressively attacking blood vessels in the brain stem. The CDC believes the anesthesia used was likely contaminated, and urges those who have received procedures outside the US to seek medical help upon returning, even if they don't have symptoms.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Washington Post
Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals the aggressive nature of a fungal meningitis outbreak linked to clinics in Mexico, which led to the deaths of 12 Americans. The fungus, Fusarium solani, attacked the brainstem of patients who had undergone procedures involving epidural anesthesia, causing strokes and hemorrhaging. The outbreak highlights the risks of medical tourism, with experts warning about the introduction of harmful pathogens due to supply shortages and lack of regulation in Mexico. The CDC has documented cases and issued alerts, urging those who traveled to Mexico for medical procedures to seek testing, while emphasizing the importance of early care for infections.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NBC News
Researchers found that the fungus Fusarium solani aggressively attacked the brainstem of patients who developed fungal meningitis after undergoing cosmetic procedures in Mexico. The contaminated epidural anesthesia introduced the fungus into the patients’ cerebrospinal fluid, leading to strokes, brain hemorrhages, and increased brain pressure. Early treatment is crucial, but many patients were not evaluated promptly. The outbreak was likely caused by contaminated morphine in the epidural solution, and experts warn of potential future fungal outbreaks. Patients considering medical tourism should consult healthcare providers, research facilities, and purchase travel insurance.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by FOX 10 News Phoenix
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning after a dozen deaths and nearly a dozen ongoing cases of fungal meningitis were linked to clinics in Mexico where Americans have been getting cosmetic procedures. A woman from Phoenix, who underwent plastic surgery in Mexico, survived but was diagnosed with fungal meningitis months later. Other women who had procedures at the same clinic also fell ill, leading to concerns about patient safety. The CDC has identified two clinics in Mexico where patients who received epidural anesthesia between January and May of this year are at risk. The woman's doctors in Phoenix were able to save her life using injectable antifungal medication, but the exact cause of the infection remains uncertain.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by KRGV
The death toll from fungal meningitis infections linked to cosmetic surgery at two clinics in Matamoros, Mexico, has risen to 11, with eight of the victims being Texas residents. The infections are associated with the use of epidural anesthesia at the River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K3, which were closed down in May. The Mexican Ministry of Health is investigating the clinics. The CDC is advising U.S. residents to avoid getting surgery in Mexico due to the unknown cause of the outbreak.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by KVEO-TV
A 31-year-old mother from Brownsville, Texas, has died after battling fungal meningitis, which she contracted at a Matamoros clinic following a cosmetic surgery. Crystal Villegas fought the deadly infection for four months but ultimately succumbed to the disease. She leaves behind three children and was known for her fitness and life advice on social media. The CDC has reported nine deaths related to epidural anesthesia procedures in Matamoros, with two clinics, River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3, being associated with the outbreak. Villegas, despite her condition, used her platform to spread awareness and encourage others to prioritize enjoying life over appearance.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by KVEO-TV
The death toll from a fungal meningitis outbreak linked to cosmetic procedures in Matamoros has risen to eight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are currently 10 confirmed cases and 10 probable cases. The CDC has identified two clinics associated with the outbreak and both have been closed. The fungus involved is Fusarium solani, which has a high fatality rate. Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headaches, stiff neck, photophobia, and altered mental status. The CDC is urging anyone who had procedures at the clinics between January 1 and May 13 to seek immediate medical attention, even if they are not displaying symptoms.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by KRGV
A 31-year-old woman from Brownsville is battling fungal meningitis, which has been linked to an outbreak at two clinics in Matamoros. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that eight individuals have died from the infection, with seven of the deaths occurring in Texas. Symptoms of fungal meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, and nausea.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by KVEO-TV
Crystal Villegas, a mother of three, is fighting for her life after being diagnosed with fungal meningitis following a cosmetic procedure in Matamoros. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to a multinational outbreak linked to cosmetic procedures in the area, with two clinics associated with the outbreak being shut down. Seven people have died and nine cases have been confirmed. Villegas, who has a large social media following, has been hospitalized for two months and is undergoing extensive antifungal treatment. Her family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical bills and daycare expenses. Villegas urges others to research before considering cosmetic surgeries across the border.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Deseret News
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an alert after seven people died from fungal meningitis linked to medical procedures in Mexico. At least 161 Americans are at risk of contracting the disease after receiving epidural anesthesia from two clinics in Matamoros. The CDC is urging anyone who received medical assistance from these clinics between January and May of this year to visit the nearest emergency room for immediate diagnosis. Symptoms of fungal meningitis include stiff neck pain, nausea, vomiting, delirious mental state, and severe headache. The CDC is using social media and advertisements to spread awareness and encourage those at risk to seek medical attention. The clinics have been shut down for not properly cleaning medical tools. Medical tourism is a possible reason why Americans seek procedures abroad, as it is often cheaper, but it comes with risks.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Ars Technica
The death toll in the fungal meningitis outbreak linked to tainted surgeries in Mexico has risen to seven, with 34 cases reported in the US. Health officials are investigating 161 others who may have been exposed. The outbreak is believed to be caused by contaminated epidural anesthesia used in cosmetic surgeries. The specific drug responsible for the contamination is difficult to track down due to poor hygiene practices and the use of personal medications by anesthesiologists in Mexico. Fungal meningitis is challenging to test for and treat, and symptoms can appear weeks to months after exposure. The CDC is urging anyone who had procedures at the affected clinics to seek medical care immediately, even without symptoms.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Gizmodo
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported seven confirmed or probable deaths linked to a fungal meningitis outbreak tied to two surgery clinics in Mexico. The outbreak, which began in May, has resulted in 34 suspected, probable, or confirmed cases of fungal meningitis. The clinics have been shut down, but the CDC is having difficulty finding everyone at risk due to incomplete or incorrect contact information. Anyone who received epidural anesthesia at the clinics between January and May 13 is urged to seek immediate medical attention, as the infection can quickly become life-threatening. Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and confusion.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by KVEO-TV
The death toll from a fungal meningitis outbreak in Matamoros has risen to seven, with nine confirmed cases, 10 probable cases, and 15 suspected cases. The outbreak is linked to procedures under epidural anesthesia at two clinics, which have since been closed. The CDC warns that those who had procedures at the clinics between January 1 and May 13 are at risk and should seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms. Treatment should be started promptly to increase the chances of survival.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by USA TODAY
Six people have died and several others have been diagnosed with fungal meningitis after receiving cosmetic procedures in Mexico. The outbreak has been linked to two clinics in Matamoros, near the U.S.-Mexico border. The CDC has issued a travel advisory and urges patients who underwent procedures at these clinics to seek emergency medical treatment. Fungal meningitis is a rare but life-threatening infection that causes swelling around the brain and spinal cord. American deaths from fungal diseases have been on the rise in recent years.