From the point that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) started reporting the case count and deaths linked to epidural and joint steroid injections on October 6, 2012, when they reported 64 cases in 9 states, 7 deaths in 4 of those states, the numbers have dramatically risen to 317 cases in 17 states, 24 deaths in 7 states as of October 24, 2012.

Each day at 2 p.m. the CDC releases the latest information.   This information serves as a reminder of the health hazards of this steroid injection which the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC jointly confirmed came from the New England Compounding Center (NECC), the compounding pharmacy in Framingham, Massachusetts. 

Multistate Fungal Meningitis Outbreak - Current Case Count

October 24, 2012 2:00 PM EDT

Cases with Fungal Infections Linked to Steroid Injections

Cases and Deaths with Fungal Infections Linked to Steroid Injections

[*312 cases of fungal meningitis, stroke due to presumed fungal meningitis, or other central nervous system-related infection meeting the outbreak case definition, plus 5 peripheral joint infections (e.g., knee, hip, shoulder, elbow). No deaths have been associated with peripheral joint infections.

Case counts by the state are based on the state where the procedure was performed, not the state of residence.]

"There does not appear to be a clear indication of the incubation period from the injection date to the onset of symptoms.  So we expect these numbers to increase. If you or someone you know received an epidural, or any other joint, steroid injection at any of the facilities receiving the New England Compounding Pharmacy (NECC)contaminated steroid in the last three months, you need to be vigilant and consult your medical professional," said Meningitis Outbreak Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.  "Defective products like this can cause life-changing and devastating results.  It's a tragedy I see all too often,  and I diligently fight for my clients' rights."

Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by less than 2 percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 1,500 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at  239. 337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com  for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.