Steroid shots given to patients for back pain may have been contaminated with a fungus that causes a rare form of meningitis, according to a WFAA report.
Texas Health Harris Methodist in Southlake received two shipments of the medication. Hospital records indicate that 114 patients were treated with the preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate steroid. Patients are being notified by phone and certified letter.
No illnesses have been reported in Tarrant County, though five people have died nation wide as a result. The hospital is offering follow-up exams to patients who received the injections.
The Associated Press reported 75 clinics in 23 states received the affected steroids, which came from a pharmacy in Massachusetts. The FDA has issued a list of 30 medications produced by the company and urged clinics not to issue them to any patients.
Source:
http://healthcare.dmagazine.com/2012/10/08/collin-county-hospital-received-contaminated-steroids/