New Jersey has reported one person ill so far after he received a steroid injection that is believed to be tainted with a fungus causing meningitis. The injections are steroidal and are administered in the spine. New Jersey reportedly may have administered as many as 650 of the vaccines. So far, there is only one reported illness which may be connected. This case may demonstrate that medication errors can occur even before the medications ever leave the manufacturer.
The steroids originated from New England Compounding Center and were shipped to 23 states. So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe that 105 people are ill and eight people have died as a result of the outbreak. Nine states so far have reported illnesses believed to be connected to the vaccine.
One New Jersey hospital, Holy Name Medical Center, has reported not receiving or distributing any of the vaccinations. It is noted, however, that at least six facilities in our state may have received and distributed the tainted vaccine. The Health Department has stated that the symptoms of illness may include fever and continued or recurring headaches. It is estimated that up to 13,000 people across the U.S. could face exposure to the fungal meningitis found in the vaccine.
The injections have been recalled, though there is the possibility that more illnesses may surface as the investigation continues. Anyone in New Jersey who has become ill after receiving a steroid injection may want to consider seeking immediate medical attention. As the investigation moves forward, those found to be ill or injured as a result of the vaccine may have recourse available to them through a civil lawsuit. If successfully litigated, a lawsuit claiming damage for the medication errors and distribution could help those injured recover the expenses they incurred as a result of receiving the tainted vaccine.
Source: Teaneck, NJ Patch, “Injections Linked to Meningitis Outbreak Not Used at Holy Name, First N.J. Case Reported,” Noah Cohen, Oct. 9, 2012
