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Fungal Meningitis Update November 23, 2012
Cumberland Medical Center has the utmost concern for the health and wellbeing of our community. This recording is intended to provide a consistent message to all who call us regarding the recent fungal meningitis situation. As part of an ongoing effort to educate individuals, we want you to be aware that affected individuals may be contacted in the near future by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) to determine if further evaluation is needed. Through careful study of the ongoing fungal meningitis situation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and TDH, it has been noted that some patients are developing fungal abscesses several weeks after seeking initial screening for fungal meningitis. Some patients have developed fungal abscesses even without the initial diagnosis of fungal meningitis.
It is very important if you are developing any signs or symptoms of an abscess that you contact Dr. Lister’s office at (931)484-2500 or your primary care physician as soon as possible to make arrangements for an outpatient MRI to best diagnose any potential problems. The following are signs and symptoms to report:
New or worsening symptoms at or near the spinal injection site such as increased or new pain, redness, or swelling
New or worsening weakness in any part of your body
New or worsening numbness or decreased sensation to leg(s)
New or worsening problems with urination or moving bowels including incontinence
New or worsening weakness in any part of your body
New or worsening numbness or decreased sensation to leg(s)
New or worsening problems with urination or moving bowels including incontinence
This situation is being closely monitored by the CDC and the TDH. As the situation continues to evolve, new treatment guidelines and recommendations are emerging from a collaboration of many entities, including the CDC, the TDH, infectious disease physicians, neurologists, and neurosurgeons from not only Tennessee but across the country. Additional patient specific information may be found at http://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/patients/index.html.
As always, Cumberland Medical Center is dedicated to providing quality healthcare for our community during this time. We will remain in contact with the CDC and TDH and will continue to update our community with pertinent information as we become aware of it.