Current event post 3: Meningitis Outbreak in Georgia

For my third recent event post, I have decided to go with my theme with outbreaks. So this time I am informing you about the meningitis outbreak. This outbreak started in a pharmacy in Massachusetts that sent out steroid shots for back pain. Unfortunately, Georgia is the 17^th state to confirm fungal meningitis in the United States. Across the country, over 360 cases have been reported with 29 deaths.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by an infection, but it can also be caused by fungi, like the current outbreak. Symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, stiff neck, pain, or changes in mental status. These symptoms can take up to a month to appear. If caught too late, meningitis can cause paralysis, brain damage, or even death.

Fungal meningitis is not contagious and is very rare. The cure is toxic to the human body, causing the doctor to balance the amount of anti-fungal drugs without affecting the patient. The fungal type of meningitis is hard to determine when the fungus has completely died. Patients have to stay in the hospital months after doctors believe the fungus is gone to ensure the patient will not relapse.

For many Americans, this outbreak has led to many unfortunate events, leaving families worried and scraping for money in order to treat loved ones. But seriously, what are the chances of your doctor getting some shots from the infected batch that started in Massachusetts? High. The chances are high. Many are affected right here in Johns Creek.

My friend’s Mom fell at work about six months ago and had the option for either back surgery, or steroid shots to stop the back pain. She decided to go with the shots because the back surgery would be about a nine week recovery. Her doctor got the shots from one of the companies that are currently having a meningitis outbreak. Due to the recent event, the mother has decided to go off the shots; meanwhile, she is in unbearable pain. The mother is going to the doctor next week to set a date for the surgery.

 I think this is a safer decision rather than getting shots from a different company. You can never be too safe. I bet the shot treatment for back pain will definitely drop after this outbreak. Who knows when the fungus and bacteria will be totally wiped out. This sort of outbreak plays along with the Supergerm problem we could face. Think about it. Would this many people be reacting if we weren’t as susceptible to these kinds of bacteria?

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/meningitis-victims-face-long-uncertain-recovery-17526915

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/meningitis-outbreak-368-cases-29-deaths/story?id=17609742&page=2

http://www.georgiahealthnews.com/2012/10/meningitis-outbreak-reaches-georgia/