The number of fungal meningitis cases linked to tainted epidural steroid injections has now reached 284. As of today there have been 23 reported deaths due to complications caused by fungal meningitis. The last two deaths were reported in Tennessee and North Carolina.
According to the CDC, of the 284 cases reported, three cases are peripheral joint infections. The number of states reporting cases has remained the same at 16. Tennessee remains the state with the most reported cases and fatalities with 69 cases reported and 9 deaths.
A new treatment of choice has been identified according to the CDC. They say that Voriconazole is the treatment of choice after the etiologic organism has been identified.
In addition, the CDC recommends that providers give liposomal Amphotericin B in addition to Voriconazole to patients who present with severe disease.
In Pennsylvania, there is currently one confirmed case of fungal meningitis in Altoona.
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