The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Federal Drug Administration (FDA), and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) have been monitoring a recent multi-state fungal meningitis outbreak. Logan County Health Commissioner Dr. Boyd Hoddinott (pictured) says this form of meningitis is not contagious. There have been 257 documented cases nationwide, including 10 in Ohio. No cases have been reported in Logan County.
On October 5th, information was sent to local physicians about a recall on a steroid medication and other drug products prepared for injections in and around the spinal cord. The Logan County Health District says none of the company's products are used by any physician or hospital in Logan County.
As of October 16th, the FDA’s investigation includes the sterility of ophthalmic drugs which are injectable or used in conjunction with eye surgery.
If you had out of county surgery since May 21, 2012 and have any of the following symptoms, please contact that physician or facility immediately:
- New or worsening headache, fever, sensitivity to light, stiff neck
- New or increased weakness or numbness in any part of your body, slurred speech, increased pain or swelling at an injection site
Fungal infections can be slow to develop and you need to watch for any symptoms for several months following the injection.
Listen to Dr. Hoddinott discuss the meningitis outbreak.
