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FF hospital not affected by Meningitis outbreak [UPDATED]
Published 9:34am Friday, October 12, 2012 Updated 11:35am Friday, October 12, 2012The recent cases of fungal meningitis and stroke associated with epidural and steroid injections are in no relation to Lake Region Healthcare (LRH). The compounding pharmacy implicated in this outbreak is the New England Compounding Center (NECC), located in Framingham, MA.
“We want to assure our patients that Lake Region Healthcare has not and does not purchase epidural or spinal preparations from the NECC or any other compounding pharmacy,” LRH CEO Larry Schulz said.
The recent outbreak, which has affected people across nine states to date, is under investigation as the Food and Drug Administration advises health providers to stop using any product made by the NECC.
Early symptoms of fungal meningitis can include headache, fever, dizziness, nausea and slurred speech. If left untreated, the inflammatory disease could result in permanent neurological damage.
“Lake Region Healthcare epidural steroid injection patients can rest assured knowing that we strive to provide only the safest and most reliable care,” Schulz said.
People interested in learning more about the outbreak can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/outbreaks/meningitis.html
