The outbreak, which has killed 12 people so far, stems from contaminated epidural steroid injections of preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate from the New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Mass.
The ASA encourages physicians to remind patients:
• Steroid injections are usually safe.
• A contaminated batch of medication is responsible for the cases.
• As of Oct. 3, NECC has voluntarily shut down.
• As of Oct. 7, NECC has voluntarily recalled all of its products.
• Fungal meningitis is not transmitted from person to person.
The FDA and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommend healthcare professionals stop using any products from NECC until further notice.
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