The news regarding the meningitis outbreak that has plagued various parts of the country continues to evolve, and today we’re getting potentially the most disturbing report yet. It’s estimated that up to 13,000 people could be in danger after receiving a steroid injection in their lower back.
In addition to the potential risk, it should also be noted that the death toll continues to rise. 119 people have contracted meningitis, and many of those people have suffered a stroke. Among these illnesses, at least 11 people have died at this point. It’s clear that the threat should not be underestimated, which is why officials are doing whatever they can to get the word out to potential at-risk patients.
In Virginia, a company called Imaging Roanoke has reacted by personally getting on the phone with all those patients who may have been put in danger. County health departments in Florida have begun to call patients, and if potentially affected persons can’t be reached, the organizations might soon be sending out people to their home addresses so as to speak with them directly. Health officials in Ohio have vowed to do something similar if it becomes necessary.
The Centers for Disease Control is adamant about contacting all people who might be put in danger. Some estimate that it might take up to ten weeks for symptoms to present, and thus no one who has received a steroid injection from a clinic using steroids from the New England Compounding Center since July should consider themselves in the clear.