CDC HAN #491: Outbreak of Suspected Fungal Meningitis
CDC Health Alert (HAN) #491: Outbreak of Suspected Fungal Meningitis in U.S. Patients who Underwent Surgical Procedures under Epidural Anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network Health Advisory about an outbreak of suspected fungal meningitis among U.S. patients hospitalized in Texas after undergoing cosmetic procedures under epidural anesthesia in the city of Matamoros, state of Tamaulipas, Mexico.
Healthcare providers and the public should be aware that patients who underwent medical or surgical procedures under epidural anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico, and who have developed signs or symptoms of possible meningitis (e.g., fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, altered mental status) should promptly seek evaluation by a healthcare provider and convey that medical history.
*Note: The complete CDC HAN #491 has been shared with our local healthcare providers.
Below are recommendations for the public.
Recommendations for the Public:
Patients who had a medical or surgical procedure involving epidural anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico, since January 2023, should monitor themselves for symptoms (e.g., fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, altered mental status) and consider consulting a healthcare professional.
If patients had a procedure in Matamoros, Mexico, that involved injection of an anesthetic agent into the area around the spinal column (i.e., epidural) since January 2023 and have developed these symptoms, patients should immediately go to a hospital emergency room and tell them about their procedure in Matamoros, Mexico and where they traveled.
Cancel any elective procedure that involves an epidural injection in Matamoros, Mexico, until there is evidence that there is no longer a risk for infection at these clinics.
Patients should be aware that unsafe injection practices can be a serious threat to their health.
All medical and surgical procedures carry some risk, and complications can occur regardless of where treatment is received. If patients travel to another country for a procedure, they should not delay seeking medical care if they suspect any complication during travel or after returning home. Immediately obtaining medical care can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment and a better outcome.
Learn how to minimize risks if patients are considering traveling to another country for medical care.
For More Information:
Information about meningitis:
Health information for travelers:
• Traveling Abroad for Medical Care (travelers)
