Meningitis Outbreak

Los Angeles Meningitis Outbreak Class Action Attorneys

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state and local health departments is investigating a multistate fungal meningitis outbreak that affected patients who were injected with contaminated steroid injections. If you or a loved one has been affected by this deadly outbreak, it is advisable to consult with a meningitis outbreak attorney immediately. Read on for details.

Affected Patients Suffered Strokes

Several patients who were injected with the contaminated steroids suffered strokes. The fungus is known as exserohilum rostratum and was found in unopened medication vials of preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate – 80 mg/ml – from one of the three lots from NECC. The CDC provided identifying information from the following lot: #08102012@51; BUD 2/6/2013

Testing continues on the other two lots.

As of October 17, 2012, 47 patients were confirmed to have been infected with the fungal meningitis. Although this form of fungal meningitis is not contagious, strokes and other severe medical conditions may result.

Up to 14,000 Patients May be Affected

The CDC and state health departments estimate that approximately 14,000 patients may have received injections with medication from the three implicated lots of methylprednisolone.

• Fungal symptoms may be slow to develop: symptoms may take from one to four weeks to appear after injections, although differing times have been reported
• The investigation also include fungal symptoms associated with injections in varying areas, including
• Peripheral joints such as:
• Knee
• Shoulder
• Ankle

21 Deaths and 271 Diagnosed with Fungal Meningitis Thus Far; Increase is Most Certain

• The New England Compounding Center, located in Framingham, Massachusetts, manufactured the drug. The Steroid methylprednilosone acetate that is used for epidural steroid back pain treatments has resulted in at least 21 deaths and at least 281 diagnosed patients thus far.
• Numbers of afflicted patients are increasing rapidly; on Oct. 6, 2012, there were “only” 64 cases reported and 7 deaths.

Afflicted patients reported in the following states thus far

Other Names of the Contaminated Drug

The steroid, methylprednisolone acetate, which is a preservative-free drug, is also known by the following brand names:

• A-methaPred
• Depo-Medrol
• Medrol
• Medrol Dosepak
• Meprolone
• Unipak
• Solu-Medrol

Symptoms of Fungal Meningitis

Symptoms vary and include the following:

• Fever
• Dizziness
• Headaches – often increasing in strength
• Slurred or slow speech
• Symptoms similar to strokes

What Compensation May Be Available to Injured Clients?

Typically, the following compensation may be pursued:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• Other compensation – ask your attorney

Complimentary Consultation with Meningitis Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorneys; No Fees Unless We Win Your Case

If you were injected with the tainted medication that causes meningitis, it is highly advisable to immediately speak to experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorneys who can advise you in this most serious, life-threatening matter. If a loved one lost their life, surviving relatives may seek compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit.

We understand that you are going through an extremely difficult time right now and we are here to offer our legal and personal support. We believe that our clients should be compensated for the injuries and damages that resulted from the negligence of others. We also believe that responsible parties should be held accountable for their negligence. There are no fees in a personal injury or wrongful death claim unless we settle or win your case. We offer a complimentary and confidential consultation that can help you understand your rights and possible courses of action.