A recent fungal spread in two Mexico clinics has created a concern among US patients who underwent cosmetic surgeries. The utilization of contaminated needles during epidural anesthesia has resulted in the spread of fungal meningitis, causing confirmed cases and, unfortunately, four deaths so far. About 14 cases of confirmed infections. The clinics treated a total of 237 Americans between January and May this year.
Understanding the Risk
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised patients. Who underwent epidural anesthesia at the Clinica K-3 in Matamoros and River Side Surgical Center Mexico. Between the specified dates are at risk of infection. Clinics routinely performed breast augmentations, liposuctions, and Brazilian butt lifts, which involved the widespread use of epidural anesthesia.
Symptoms and Urgent Actions:
As a consequence of the inflammation of membranes encircling the spinal cord and brain, fungal meningitis arises, posing the risk of potentially severe complications. This creates major health risks for those infected. Headaches, fever, sensitivity to light, and stiff neck are a few symptoms. Urgent medical treatment is vital, as this condition can lead to coma, seizures, and even death if left untreated.
The Patients who have been to the clinics between January and May are requested to report to the nearest emergency room for monitoring. Identification of fungal meningitis needs a spinal tap. This involves the insertion of a needle into the spine to collect and analyze fluid.
However, it is of great importance to note that individuals may still contract meningitis. Even though they initially test negative for a fungal infection.
Proper Treatment and Response
The CDC has faced a lot of challenges in contacting patients who had procedures at the clinics. As many of them did not provide correct contact information.
Many efforts are done to contact potentially affected individuals. As of June 7th, the CDC has reported four deaths, along with four confirmed cases, ten probable cases, and fourteen suspected cases. Furthermore, there are currently 179 individuals under investigation in connection with the spread.
The doctors definitely prescribe antifungal drugs for patients testing positive. If fungal meningitis, Is detected early, can be treated easily. It is not a contagious disease.
