CDC, SSa Address Meningitis Outbreak in Tamaulipas

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mexico’s Ministry of Health (SSa) and various state and local health departments are addressing a widespread outbreak of fungal meningitis. The organizations are warning individuals who underwent procedures under epidural anesthesia at River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3 in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, between Jan. 1 and May 13, 2023, to be aware of potential exposure to this fungal infection.

On May 25, 2023, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador informed that the meningitis outbreak in Tamaulipas was caused by contaminated medicines that were used for anesthesia in several hospitals. The current toll of the outbreak includes six deaths, with one categorized as a probable death and five cases already confirmed, as reported by the?CDC. López Obrador lamented the casualties and assured that investigations are underway, as reported by?MBN.?

The SSa has shared with the CDC a comprehensive list of US residents who underwent procedures at the two clinics in Tamaulipas in the period in question. The CDC, along with state and local health departments, is actively engaged in efforts to reach out to all individuals who are at risk. Furthermore, these institutions are proactively contacting additional individuals who may be at risk but were not initially included on the list.

Additionally, healthcare providers are invited to promptly notify their state or local health department of any suspected cases of fungal meningitis, including those that may potentially be linked to this particular outbreak.

Meanwhile, the CDC has recommended the cancellation of all elective procedures involving epidural injections of anesthetic in Matamoros until evidence confirms the absence of infection risk at these clinics.?

Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, which are the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Fungal meningitis presents a range of symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and confusion, as reported by the CDC. The onset of symptoms may take weeks and they can be mild initially. However, once symptoms manifest, they have the potential to rapidly escalate and pose a severe, life-threatening risk. Timely testing and treatment are crucial to save lives.