Michigan hit the hardest by fungal meningitis outbreak
A national outbreak of fungal meningitis that baffled doctors and patients alike hit Michigan residents the hardest, according to media reports.
A family member holds a photo of Lilian Cary, 67, of Howell, one of the first Michigan residents to die in the fungal meningitis outbreak at the end of September.
Out of the 51 people that have died to date in the outbreak, 17 of them were from Michigan. The state has the largest concentration of fungal meningitis patients: 259 Michiganders have come down with fungal meningitis to date out of 730 cases reported nationwide.
The outbreak is connected to batches of injectable steroids manufactured by the New England Compounding Center in Massachusetts.
Investigations, lawsuits and fear have spawned from the outbreak, according to a report by the Detroit Free Press. Lawmakers and federal and state officials are working to make sure the event will not happen again, according to the report.
Read the reports by the Detroit Free Press:
- Part I: National fungal meningitis outbreak hits Michigan the hardest; 259 infected, 14 killed
- Part II: Meningitis outbreak sparks investigations, lawsuits, fears
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.
Comments
BhavanaJagat
Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 3:58 p.m.
No Reason for Optimism: It is claimed that the state officials and others are working to make sure that this will not happen again. However, I have no reason for optimism as the promise is not supported by a clear statement about the underlying contributing factors. The physicians have not admitted that there would be a change in the way pain is managed. I have not read at any place that this type of therapeutic regime would be amended on account of this tragedy. It is not clear as to how such medications would be dispensed in future. The professional responsibility of the doctor and pharmacist must be stated if medications are formulated at a distant location and are transported across state boundaries.
Brad
Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 5:57 p.m.
Michigan Pain Specialists in Brighton was an epicenter, having given out over 600 tainted injections. That probably explains the high number in Michigan right there.