The number of people who have died in the United States of fungal meningitis from contaminated steroidal painkillers has risen to 23, the US Center for Infectious Disease Control (CDC) reported on Saturday.
The new deaths are in the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. Both regions also reported 13 new cases. In total – according to the CDC – the number of patients is now 281 people.
Tennessee has the highest death toll; Eight people have already died there from meningitis.
The steroidal painkiller given to patients by injection into the spine was manufactured by New England Compounding Center (NECC), based in Framingham, Massachusetts. It is estimated that the contaminated batch of the drug – about 17,7 thousand. vials – went to 76 medical facilities in 23 states. NECC representatives said that other preparations produced by this company were not contaminated.
The contaminated preparation, which found its way into medical facilities in 23 states, is being withdrawn from the market. The NECC estimates that 14 people may be exposed to the threat. patients.
American medical services contact people who have been administered the contaminated preparation. At the same time, it was called for patients to see a doctor immediately after experiencing symptoms such as headache, fever, stiff neck, fatigue, speech disorders, difficulty walking or a red rash. It was emphasized that early diagnosis of the disease avoids serious complications that can lead to death.
In Massachusetts, civil proceedings are pending against the drug manufacturer and company management. Florida banned NECC from doing business across the state. (PAP)
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