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Warning for Americans Seeking Epidural Anesthesia Procedures in Mexico
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a warning this week regarding the dangers of seeking epidural anesthesia procedures in Mexico citing concerns over an outbreak of fungal infections resulting from these procedures. Five people from Texas who received these procedures in Matamoros, Mexico, have returned home after becoming ill. One Texan died and four others were hospitalized from their symptoms. The warning advises US health care providers and patients to be on high alert if they have received these procedures while in Mexico. The CDC also counselled that Americans cancel any scheduled procedures that require an epidural injection of anesthetic in Matamoros.
Outbreaks and Shuttered Clinics
All five patients who fell ill traveled from Texas to Matamoros in Mexico for cosmetic surgeries, including liposuction, in two clinics: the River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3. Following the outbreak and the Mexican officials’ investigations, news outlets report that both surgeries have been shut down. The current outbreak has been predominantly centralized in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, which lies on the northeastern border of Mexico. The CDC warns that additional cases and clinics may be identified.
Disease Symptoms
Fungal meningitis, a rare and serious affliction, develops when a fungal pathogen infects the brain or spinal cord. Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, extreme light sensitivity, and mental status changes. The CDC reports that the patient’s symptoms in the Texan cases developed between one and eight weeks after the surgeries.
Further Outbreaks
This outbreak echoes one that occurred a year ago in Durango, a northern Mexican state directly west of Tamaulipas. In Durango, the horrifying numbers of affected patients climbed to 80, with 39 fatal cases. Epidural anesthesia administration was also linked to the swift spread of fungal meningitis in female patients undergoing gynecological procedures.
As of now, the cause of the Texan infections is still unknown, and the CDC is continuing its investigation.
Tale of Two Outbreaks
Durango Outbreak Investigation
A February Reuters report also revealed that in February, Durango police arrested three individuals involved in connection to the fungal meningitis outbreak. The arrests were made after laboratory testing confirmed that the cause of the meningitis cases was the Fusarium solani fungi. These fungi, typically found in natural environments such as water, organic matter, and soil, can contaminate pharmaceutical products improperly made.
Current Outbreak Investigation
Clinical data from the Texan cases suggests that a fungus did cause the infections. The CDC reported that they discovered elevated cerebrospinal fluid levels of the fungal biomarker (1,3)-beta-D-glucan in at least one of the patients. However, the pathogen is still unknown.
Conclusion
Fungal meningitis is a serious and harsh condition to have, and the CDC warns individuals who have recently had an epidural anesthesia procedure in Mexico to remain vigilant. They must monitor themselves for symptoms of meningitis to avoid turning the situation severely life-threatening.
FAQs
What is an Epidural?
Epidural anesthesia is a form of pain relief that surgical procedures utilize, particularly during deliveries. The procedure involves an injection of anesthetic straight into the spine, specifically within the space around the spinal nerves known as the epidural space.
What Causes Fungal Meningitis?
Fungal meningitis develops when a fungus infects the spinal cord or brain.
What Are the Causes of Meningitis?
These are typically caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.
What Are the Symptoms of Meningitis?
The symptoms of meningitis typically involve stiff neck, fever, headache, and sometimes light sensitivity, in addition to other symptoms.
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