An outbreak of fungal meningitis linked to a steroid medication has spread across the country during the past three weeks — with two confirmed cases in North Carolina.
The outbreak is not contagious, and the cases have been linked to certain health care facilities in the state.
Julie Henry, spokeswoman for the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, said the two individuals have been hospitalized and are currently receiving treatment.
“All of the cases nationally have been related to spinal injections so far,” she said.
Henry said a total of 93 patients received epidural injections at clinics in High Point and Wilson and have all been notified.
An additional 213 patients were exposed at an orthopedic clinic in Durham when they received joint injections, she said.
UNC Hospitals did not purchase the medication linked to the outbreak, said Jennifer James, spokeswoman for UNC Health Care.
In a statement, Duke Medicine identified the North Carolina Orthopaedic Clinic as the only one of their sites where the medication was used.
“Our findings to date indicate that this product has not been used in our hospitals or ambulatory surgery centers; however, our investigations will continue to ensure the safety of our patients,” the statement read.
