# 6652
While there are no additions or changes to guidance documents posted on the CDC’s Meningitis website today, the CDC has updated the number of cases, and deaths, associated with the Multistate Fungal Meningitis outbreak.
*294 cases of fungal meningitis, stroke due to presumed fungal meningitis, or other central nervous system-related infection meeting the outbreak case definition, plus 3 peripheral joint infections (e.g., knee, hip, shoulder, elbow). No deaths have been associated with peripheral joint infections.
Numbers are changing by the hour, as evidenced by this press release from the state of Florida earlier today adding another case to their total (n=18), a 55 year old man who received treatment at pain clinic in Escambia county. This from the Florida DOH.
10.22.12 - Florida Fungal Meningitis Cases Total Eighteen
A finally, as you might expect - with 23 deaths and hundreds of serious injuries - lawsuits are being filed on behalf of many who received these injections.
For now, the compounding pharmacy that shipped the injectable steroids (NECC) is being named as the sole defendant, but others may be included later.
This from the Wall Street Journal.
Lawsuits Mount as Meningitis Deaths Rise
By THOMAS M. BURTON
The compounding pharmacy at the center of a deadly meningitis outbreak is facing a wave of lawsuits from patients who received steroid injections made by the pharmacy.
At least 10 lawsuits, including one seeking class action status, have been filed against the New England Compounding Center of Framingham, Mass. Scores more plaintiffs have retained attorneys to commence litigation.
