First Meningitis Lawsuit Filed Over Outbreak

In what may be the first lawsuit over the fast-growing fungal meningitis outbreak, a woman has sued the maker of the potentially tainted steroid injections that may have caused the deaths of 15 people and sickened more than 200 others.

Reuters reports that the woman, who claims she received a steroid injection for back pain, filed the lawsuit against the New England Compounding Center (NECC) of Massachusetts in federal court for Minnesota. She currently is awaiting confirmation test results for meningitis-like symptoms.

There have been 214 confirmations of fungal meningitis in 15 states since last month including 15 fatalities to date, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fever. Fungal meningitis is not contagious.

Multiple investigations have been launched into the national health scandal in which NECC is now the main focus. The compounding pharmacy has recalled the suspected vials and all other products, surrendered its operating license, and extended full cooperation to the investigators.

However, Massachusetts health officials believe the company has ignored state laws for compounding pharmacies, according to Reuters.

Though most patients have reported symptoms within a maximum of 42 days of receiving the injection, others who have received the steroid shots have been asked to stay alert for months to come. The potentially infected steroid shots may have been given to almost 14,000 patients, who received shots for back, shoulder, and joint pain.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous drug, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to find out if a dangerous drug lawyer may be able to help you.

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