Eleven Dead in Tennessee Fungal Meningitis Outbreak
Eleven people are dead from fungal meningitis after receiving contaminated steroid injections for back pain.
As of October 27, 2012, 74 of the 1,009 people in Tennessee who received epidural injections of preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate manufactured by New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Massachusetts have contacted the disease. And nationwide, at least 368 cases of meningitis and 29 deaths have been linked to the contaminated steroids.
The fungal meningitis is caused by a black mold called Exserohilum rostratum. Exserohilum rostratum is common in dirt and grass. Federal health inspectors have found Exserohilum rostratum, other molds, bacteria and other contaminants in what was supposed to be a sterile room at the Framingham facility.
The tainted medications were recalled in late September. The highest risk for death or stroke from fungal meningitis occurs within 42 days after injection. For those who were injected with the drug in Tennessee, the 42 day deadline will pass on November 8. However, there is still a risk of illness, and anyone injected with the contaminated drugs should remain vigilant for symptoms of meningitis.
Some of the victims of Tennessee fungal meningitis deaths are:
- Margaret Bryant, 74, McMinnville, TN
- Judge Eddie C. Lovelace, 78, Albany, KY
- Mary Martin, 89, Inglewood, TN
- J.W. Ragland, 71, Bowling Green, KY
- Diana Reed, 56, Nashville, TN
- Thomas Warren Rybinski, 55, Smyrna, TN
- Reba Temple, 80, Centerville, TN
- Earline Williams, 72, Nashville, TN
The attorneys at Bailey & Greer offer our condolences to the families. It is truly unfair that anyone should suffer because a business cared more about profits than providing a safe product.
Tennessee has had more fungal meningitis fatalities than any other state. Anyone who has suffered from meningitis from contaminated methylprednisolone acetate has the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against New England Compounding Center. Victims or their families should contact a Tennessee drug injury attorney for more information.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
Read more about Thomas R. Greer