ORLANDO, Fla. – A 69-year-old woman who received treatment at the Florida Pain Clinic in Marion County has contracted fungal meningitis, bringing the state's total to 23, including three deaths, according to the Florida health department.
The fungal meningitis is associated with the nationwide outbreak of contaminated lots of methylprednisolone acetate.
"We are continuously working with our federal, state and local partners to implement Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of patients who received contaminated steroid injections," said state surgeon general and secretary of health Dr. John Armstrong. "We are dedicated to providing timely care, proper follow-up and support to each patient."
As of Friday, the nationwide number of cases related to contaminated steroid injections is 344, with 25 deaths across 18 states.
Fungal meningitis associated with the contaminated steroids from New England Compounding Center is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person.
The signs and symptoms of meningitis related to epidural NECC medication injections include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light and altered mental status.