4 Dead In Meningitis Outbreak Linked To Cosmetic Procedures In Mexico

Four people have died in a fungal meningitis outbreak linked to cosmetic procedures at two clinics in Mexico and health officials are trying to reach those who may have been exposed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health officials in Mexico and the United States are warning anyone who had procedures under epidural anesthesia in Matamoros or Tamaulipas of potential exposure to the disease, the CDC said.

According to the CDC, the outbreak is associated with two clinics: River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3. Both clinics were closed on May 13, but anyone who had procedures done from January 1 to the time of the closures is potentially exposed and at risk, officials said.

As of June 7, there had been four confirmed cases and four deaths, with 10 probable cases, 14 suspected cases, and 179 people under investigation.

Officials obtained a list of U.S. residents who had procedures at these clinics during this timeframe and are working to reach them with the advice to go to their nearest emergency room for diagnostic testing for fungal meningitis, according to the CDC.

NBC News reported that according to the CDC, these procedures might have included breast implants or liposuction that required epidural anesthesia.

Dr. Tom Chiller, head of the fungal disease branch at the CDC, told the outlet he estimates that officials have been able to reach fewer than half of the people from the U.S. who may have been exposed. Chiller explained that it has been difficult to reach those who gave wrong information or had their information filed incorrectly.

Additional people with potential exposure who were not included on the original list are being found and contacted through public health investigation, outreach efforts, social media, and by family and friends as they learn about the outbreak, officials said.

Fungal meningitis infections are not contagious and are not spread from person to person, according to officials.

Symptoms of fungal meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and confusion, officials said. It can take weeks for symptoms to develop, and they may be very mild or absent at first. However, once symptoms start, they can quickly become severe and life-threatening.

The CDC emphasized that early testing and treatment, especially before symptoms start or worsen, can save lives.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control's website.