Contaminated steroid shots.

Gainesville Sun reports 1,038 people have received shots from pain clinics in Florida which are linked to the contamination causing fungal meningitis.  Early treatment is the key to minimizing the consequences. The shots are associated with treatment of back pain. The formal name for the compound is methylprednisolone acetate.  Florida Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong is recommending that facilities where shots were given should call patients to see how they are doing. Don’t wait for that call if you’ve had a steroid shot in the last 6 months. Research is still being done to determine how long the fungal meningitis takes to become symptomatic. Symptoms include

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
  • Altered mental status
This form of meningitis is not contagious.

The New England Compounding Center (NECC) in Farmington Mass. is reported to be the manufacturer of the steroid compound and has issued recalls for its medicine.