Meningitis Reported in Grade Schools, Adult Males

Meningitis cases recently emerge in three states among HIV-positive men and students.

By Erin Hicks, Everyday Health Staff Writer

In Tennessee and North Carolina, the disease may have been spread through epidural injections — injections into the spinal column — given at outpatient surgical centers. The affected patients were between the ages of 40 and 80, and were receiving epidural injections to treat musculoskeletal disorders.

"We're investigating a number of medications and products that may have been associated with the disease," says Curtis Allen, a spokesperson for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "At this point we don’t have sufficient evidence to say what the cause is."

At least 737 people who received the same types of injections between July 30 and Sept. 20 have been notified of the rare aspergillus meningitis infections, which attack the central nervous system, according to NBC.

"Epidurals are generally safe procedures, and complications are rare," says Allen. "This form of meningitis is a fungal infection and is not spread from person to person."

The Saint Thomas Outpatient Neurosurgery Center in Nashville, Tennessee, where 11 of the victims were treated, closed Sept. 20 and will remain closed until further notice. The CDC is coordinating with multiple state health departments to see if there are any additional cases.

"If you've had an epidural injection between the end of July and September 20 and are experiencing worsening headaches, fever, sensitivity to light, stiff neck, new weaknesses or numbness, slurred speech, or difficulty walking, you should consult with your physician," says Allen.

The New York Meningitis Outbreak

 

A bacterial meningitis outbreak hit HIV-positive men in New York late last week. One died from the infection, and another is in critical care, according to a press release from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.  

"People living with HIV are at a greater risk than the general population of acquiring invasive meningococcal disease and if infected, dying from infection," according to the release. The disease is spread by prolonged close contact with nose or throat discharges from an infected person. 

Oak View Elementary School Outbreak

 

Four families near Nashville are also reporting cases of viral meningitis, according to The Tennessean. All the cases were reported at the Oak View Elementary School, which is being disinfected; extra cleaning crews have been brought in for deep cleanings. 

There are two main kinds of meningitis, bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis. Viral meningitis is milder and more common than bacterial meningitis. Fungal meningitis is rare, but can be life threatening. Symptoms of meningitis are high fever, headache, stiff neck, and a rash that develops quickly within two days. Those who experience symptoms are advised to seek medical care immediately.