INDIANAPOLIS —
You’ve likely heard or read headlines about the latest outbreak of meningitis that has led to at least 11 deaths and over 100 illnesses throughout the United States.
Should you be worried? Not unless you’ve had a steroid shot in your spine to treat back pain in the past four months. Here’s the difference between this latest outbreak and meningitis in general:
Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. Meningitis typically results from a viral infection, although the cause may sometimes also be a bacterial infection. The severity and treatment of meningitis differ according to type and symptoms, which is why it’s important to know the specific cause of meningitis.
While viral meningitis is serious, it’s rarely fatal for people with normal immune systems. Bacterial meningitis, however, is one of the most serious and life-threatening forms. There are a number of strains of bacterial meningitis, among them the highly contagious meningococcal meningitis. This strain commonly occurs when bacteria from an upper respiratory infection enters the bloodstream, and it affects mainly teenagers and young adults who are sharing close quarters like college dorms and military bases.
This latest outbreak is the rarely seen fungal meningitis, which is not contagious like the bacterial or viral forms. Fungal meningitis can develop after a fungus spreads through the bloodstream from somewhere else in the body or as a result of the fungus being introduced directly into the central nervous system. In the cases being featured in the news, the patients received back injections with a steroid medication suspected to be contaminated by a fungus. The potentially contaminated medication was shipped around the country starting May 21, 2012, and recalled on Sept. 26, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Signs and symptoms of fungal meningitis may include fever, severe headache, nausea, sensitivity to light, altered mental status and stroke. According to the CDC, symptoms have been appearing between one and four weeks after patients received the shots. If you believe you or someone you know may be at risk for having contracted fungal meningitis, please contact a physician right away. Fungal meningitis is treated with high-dose antifungal medications, usually given intravenously in a hospital.
This latest fungal meningitis outbreak is an unimaginable tragedy for those affected and their loved ones. But the situation also represents the expanse and limits of the modern way in which we acquire news, through real-time media outlets and constant updates from the Internet and social media. It also signals an opportunity to further connect people with credible resources such as the CDC for the latest information about health matters that may or may not affect them.
Dr. Fox is the medical director for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana.
Letters
FLASHPOINT: Meningitis: What you need to know
- Letters
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READERS' FORUM: May 20, 2013
The dangers of a little knowledge
Students enjoyed Rose study trip
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READERS' FORUM: May 19, 2013
• Flawed reasoning on gun checks
• A hint of things yet to come?
• Are the ‘makers’ doing the ‘taking’?
• The ‘Obamination’ is finally revealed
• Pondering effects of Obamacare
• Fantasizing on the ‘Apocalypse’
• Another view of Hinduism
• Great experience for HCMS students
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FLASHPOINT: A legislative session of missed opportunities
Given the nature of politicians, grand claims of accomplishments and overblown rhetoric about “historic” efforts are to be expected at the close of any legislative session.
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READERS' FORUM: May 17, 2013
Hinduism doesn’t deserve ridicule — Shefali Purohit, Terre Haute
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Readers' Forum: May 16, 2013
Moving Deming folks sounds ‘nuts’
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Readers' Forum: May 15, 2013
Participants rise to the challenge: I would like to write a letter congratulating all the Wabash Valley Roadrunners that competed in the One America Indianapolis Mini Marathon.
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READERS' FORUM: May 14, 2013
ISTEP failure exposes flaws
Community hasn’t changed its spirit
Egregious threat to nation’s defense
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READERS' FORUM: May 13, 2013
• Women’s group criticizes Bucshon
• Let’s hope this doesn’t come true
• Many get thanks for fest success
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READERS' FORUM: May 12, 2013
Vigo Youth Football, entering 45th year, seeks new support
Media ignoring important case on abortions
Proud to be old-fashioned
Guns in school? What’s next?
Promoting hate not a ‘brave’ act
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FLASHPOINT: Again in 2013 General Assembly, middle class generally ignored
Last year, the people of Indiana entrusted the Republican Party with some of their most precious possessions.
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Readers’ Forum: May 11, 2013
I just wanted to express my disappointment at the lack of response shown by President Obama after the Boston Marathon bombings.
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Readers' Forum: May 10, 2013
CANDLES event plants new seed: On April 26, CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center hosted an event called “Sowing Seeds of Peace: A Celebration of Spring” at the Apple House. Our purpose was to introduce people to our concept of forgiveness as a seed for peace.
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READERS’ FORUM: May 6, 2013
• Money drives our newfound ‘needs’
• Guns not the only dangerous objects
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Readers’ Forum; May 5, 2013
Thankful for Pyle museum: I was happy to see the announcement of the Ernie Pyle Museum’s summer season opening, and I was reminded of how fortunate we all are to have such a museum close by.
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FLASHPOINT: Lessons from the legacy media — get it right, first
Enough mistakes and maybe we’ll learn: When in doubt, leave it out.
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FLASHPOINT: Hoosiers got steady hand in recent session
As the General Assembly began its work last November, as Speaker of the House, I pledged a renewed spirit of bipartisanship with legislators working together to solve our state’s most pressing challenges. As this year’s legislative session concludes, representatives from throughout the state — Republican and Democrat — have joined together to address those issues at the forefront of Hoosier minds: maintaining our state’s fiscal integrity, spurring job creation and expanding education opportunities for every Hoosier family.
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READERS' FORUM: May 3, 2013
Deep gratitude during tragic time
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READERS’ FORUM: May 2, 2013
• Terre Haute takes care of their own
• Postal contract causes concern
• Food price rise not appreciated
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READERS' FORUM: May 1, 2013
Great support for Clay Habitat
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READERS’ FORUM: April 30, 2013
• Gujarat attack was provoked
• Proud honor for THN student
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READERS’ FORUM: April 29, 2013
• Avoid language of extremism
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Readers' Forum: April 28, 2013
Another debacle for landowners: The integrity of our city and county officials continues to erode with an Issue that has come up on the east side of the city behind the Sycamore Terrace apartments.
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FLASHPOINT: Time has arrived for overhaul of TV news
Former FCC Chairman Alfred Sikes gave an address in 1992 in which he claimed television news was too superficial and too focused on visuals.
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Readers’ Forum: April 25, 2013
• Common Core: A simple choice
• Club again launches St. Ann’s fundraiser
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READERS’ FORUM: April 24, 2013
• Good service was noticed
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READERS’ FORUM: April 23, 2013
• Another great season at THN
• We’ve discarded our own privacy
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READERS’ FORUM: April 22, 2013
Chickens should not be banned from residences
A challenge to Islamist dogma
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FLASHPOINT: Fiscal cliff, Obamacare have already raised taxes enough
Our history is rich with stories of people who have immigrated to the United States for a chance at the American Dream. The American Dream, in its truest form, is the opportunity to achieve success by working hard and playing by the rules; to make it on your own and to say, “I earned this.”
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Readers’ Forum: April 21, 2013
Vouchers need continued support: Indiana’s school voucher program is working and we hope area legislators will continue to support improvements to this important initiative. Here’s why.
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READERS’ FORUM: April 20, 2013
• Harrop column lacked research, requires response
• Perplexed by gas price fluctuations
- More Letters Headlines
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READERS' FORUM: May 20, 2013
Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma
Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria
Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma
RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado
Raw: Swarm of Tornadoes Slams Plains
Raw: House Burns After Massive Oklahoma Tornado
White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media
Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead
Tornadoes, Storms Strike Midwest
Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School
Raw: Witness Describes Scene After Okla. Tornado
Raw: Okla. Tornado Aftermath 'Like War Zone'
Commuters Face Delays After Conn. Train Accident
Raw: Walking in a Flattened Okla. Neighborhood
'Babyland': Camp Lejeune's Toxic Legacy?
Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia
Fatal Hot Air Balloon Accident in Turkey
Raw: Heavy Tornado Damage in Shawnee, Okla
AP CEO: Records Seizure 'Unconstitutional'
Raw: Suspects Butt Dial 911, Lead to Arrest
RAW: Moore, OK tornado touches down near school
Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble
Robert Pattinson Moves Out
RAW: Russian dash cam catches car 20 feet in the air
Oklahoma tornado survivor: "Everything is gone"
Khloe Lashes Out at Kim Kardashian's Critics
Couple Argues As Woman's Lover Crawls Out Window
RAW: Brad Paisley Forgets Lyrics To His Own Song
Justin Bieber Gets Booed
New 'Anchorman 2' Trailer, Drake Joins List of Rumored Cameos
Eva Longoria's Wardrobe Malfunction
Heat Star Dwyane Wade Surprises Coral Gables Teen At Prom
Steak n' Shake waitress scores huge tip
Singer Miguel Accidentally Lands on Fan At Billboard Music Awards
Celebs Celebrate the Rise of the Side Butt
Grizzly bear gets up close and personal with camera
Justin Bieber Gets Booed After Winning at the Billboard Awards
Singer forgets lyrics, makes up words to National Anthem
