Fungal Meningitis Outbreak: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the source of fungal meningitis?
Fungal meningitis outbreak may occur due to contaminated medication used for epidural steroid injections (According to CDC).
What should you do, if you have received a potentially contaminated medication?
At first, you should contact the physician who performed your procedure. You should be more concerned if you are in the endemic area. If you are still fine, be careful and you should remain vigilant for onset of symptoms because fungal infections can be slow to develop. You should closely watch for symptoms for at least several months after the injection and see a doctor if you have any of the symptoms mentioned below.
Is fungal meningitis contagious?
No, fungal meningitis is not contagious. According to the CDC, the infection can't be passed from person to person.
Should a patient who did not receive an injection be worried about fungal meningitis?
What are the other ways to get fungal meningitis?
Usually, it is difficult to get infected by fungal meningitis. Usually, immunocompromised people are more likely to get fungal meningitis. For details, see- How Do You Get Fungal Meningitis?
How long does it take to get sick?
It may take less than 1 week to 4 or more week, after exposure.
Can a “meningitis” vaccine protect you from fungal meningitis?
No. there is a vaccine against bacteria that cause meningitis and other meningococcal diseases. As fungal meningitis is a fungal infection, the vaccine won’t protect you.
What are the symptoms of fungal meningitis?
If you have received a potentially contaminated medication and get affected, you may have mild symptoms at first such as - slight weakness, slightly worsened back pain or even a mild headache.
Other important symptoms of fungal meningitis may include
- Fever
- A headache
- Stiff neck
- New weakness or numbness in any part of your body
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Altered mental status
- Slurred speech
- Increased pain, redness, or swelling at your injection site
- Changes in vision (if injection was in the eye)
- Pain, redness, or discharge from the eye (if injection was in the eye) Chest pain (if the drug was used during heart surgery)Drainage from the surgical site (infection within the chest, if the drug was used during heart surgery)
How serious is Fungal Meningitis?
Of course, it is a serious disease. You may know how serious it is, if you know about fungal meningitis outbreak 2012 in the U.S. In people died for this outbreak.
Can a patient expect a full recovery? Is fungal meningitis curable?
Yes, full recovery is possible. But, in some cases, serious complications may occur. It may also take people’s life.
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