A deadly outbreak of fungal meningitis linked to surgeries in Mexico has claimed its second victim in the US. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that while 18 cases have been confirmed, over 200 others across 25 states may have been exposed. The outbreak is linked to two clinics in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, which were closed on May 13. The CDC has identified at least three additional people affected who were not on the list of 221 US patients who may have been exposed. The CDC is now working with state and local health departments to track down and investigate the 206 exposed people. Health officials are urging those people to go to a health center, urgent care facility, or hospital emergency department as soon as possible—even if they do not have any symptoms. Fungal meningitis is a deadly infection in which a fungal pathogen invades the brain and spinal cord. Treatment involves long courses of high-dose antifungal medications.
Two people in Mexico have died due to contaminated surgeries, and 206 others in the United States are at risk of developing serious brain infections.
In a recent health scare reavealing how dangerous medical negligence can be, two people undergoing surgeries in Mexico have died due to the use of contaminated medical tools. 205 others from the United States are also reported to have been exposed to the same danger and are now at risk of developing brain infections.
The tools were reportedly contaminated with a biological material from a particular bacteria, and the surgery was allegedly performed by a doctor based in Mexico. Around 205 of his patients had traveled to him from the USA for the specific procedure. All are currently being tracked and contacted by health officials.
The situation is considered highly serious, as the infection is known to cause brain abscesses. These abscesses can lead to varying degrees of neurological damage, and in some cases could even be fatal. That is why the US health officials are scrambling to provide the affected individuals with preventative medication.
This incident highlights the need for proper infection control systems in all parts of the world. Medical negligence, although an unfortunate occurrence, is unfortunately the norm in many parts of the world, putting countless people at risk of serious and oftentimes irreparable harm. It is the responsibility of governments to ensure the safety of their people, and this incident once again reveals where greater emphasis is needed.
