A meningitis outbreak has been linked to contaminated epidural steroid shots that are typically given for back pain. This could affect injured Illinois workers whose doctors prescribed injections to treat their work-related back injuries. It’s probably a one in a million risk, but a good lawyer makes his clients aware of every possibility.
Meningitis cases have appeared throughout the country, and the contaminated batches of medication have been traced back to a pharmacy in New England. The specialty pharmacy ships the steroid injections across the U.S., and it appears that the contaminated medication was sent to dozens of clinics in 23 states, including Illinois. The CDC estimates that 14,000 people may have received injections from three potentially contaminated batches.
The problem is a fungus that has been found in the vials of the steroid. When injected into a patient, the fungus can spread and attack tissues in the brain and the spine. It’s called fungal meningitis, and it is not contagious. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion and other mental side effects. Several people have experienced strokes. Note that symptoms may take weeks or even longer to appear. Most of the shots given were for spinal injections, but some have been used in joints (knees, ankles, shoulders), as well.
Odds are, you won’t get sick. However, if you have a back injury and your doctor wants to give you an epidural steroid injection, you should make sure it’s not coming from the bad batch. The contaminated medication has been recalled, but it doesn’t hurt to double check with your doctor before receiving an injection.
If you or someone in your family has suffered injury or death caused by a contaminated steroid injection, you might have a case for medical malpractice or a case against the manufacturer or pharmacy. Please contact us if you have any questions.
We are workers’ compensation attorneys who help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.