CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory: Outbreak of Suspected Fungal Meningitis in U.S. Patients who Underwent Surgical Procedures under Epidural Anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico
This message is being sent to local public health officers, Tribal health directors, local public health department staff, infection preventionists, and Health Alert Network and Travel Health Network subscribers.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify health care providers of an outbreak of suspected fungal meningitis among U.S. patients who recently underwent cosmetic procedures under epidural anesthesia in the city of Matamoros, state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. As of May 12, 2023, five patients have been diagnosed with suspected fungal meningitis; all have been hospitalized, and one has died. While the causative agent is fungal, the exact organism is currently unknown for this outbreak.
Background
On May 8, 2023, CDC and state and local partners were notified of patients hospitalized in Texas with symptoms consistent with meningitis that began approximately two to four weeks after receiving cosmetic procedures under epidural anesthesia in Mexico. Presenting symptoms included fever and new or worsening headache. Some patients initially had mild symptoms.
Recommendations
CDC recommends that health care providers have a low threshold for performing imaging (such as computerized tomography [CT] or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) in patients who meet both of these criteria:
- Underwent a medical or surgical procedure under epidural anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico, after January 1, 2023
- Developed symptoms consistent with fungal meningitis
Health care providers should immediately report suspected fungal meningitis cases, including those possibly related to this outbreak, to their state, local, or Tribal health department.
For additional information for health care providers, including clinical recommendations, please refer to the CDC HAN.
Additional resources
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