Fungal meningitis outbreak in Mexico: Americans asked to exercise extra caution when traveling there

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated travel advice for Mexico after some U.S. residents were diagnosed with suspected fungal meningitis as a result of medical or surgical procedures in Mexico. The edition told in more detail USA Today.

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The agency said the infections were introduced after procedures in Matamoros, which is located on the border with Texas, and led to serious illness, even death. The CDC has announced Level 2 and is urging travelers to "take extra precautions".

The Texas Department of Health issued an alert and said the investigation identified at least five patients. According to the press service, one person died, four were hospitalized.

“Travelers with these infections had medical or surgical procedures (including liposuction) that involved an injection of an anesthetic into the area around the spine,” the CDC said.

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged travelers who have undergone procedures in Matamoros since January 1 related to an epidural anesthetic infection to monitor symptoms and consider seeking medical attention. The agency recommends that those with symptoms "immediately" seek emergency care.

Symptoms of fungal meningitis include fever, stiff neck, headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Although anyone can become infected, the infection is not contagious and can be treated with intravenous and oral medications. People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of infection.

“Cancel any procedure involving epidural anesthetic injection in Matamoros, Mexico until there is evidence that there is no longer a risk of infection in these clinics,” the experts recommend.

Travel from the US to Mexico for medical care is common.

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“Medical tourism has been a very big part of border communities for many, many, many years,” said Ricardo Ainslie, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and director of research and education at the AMPATH Mexico Medical Partnership. “First of all, this is due to the fact that it is easy to make an appointment, and the procedure is much cheaper.”

According to the CDC, medical tourism can be risky and various factors can increase the chance of complications, including varying quality of medical care and communication difficulties due to language barriers. The agency recommends taking steps such as researching healthcare providers and facilities ahead of time, and purchasing travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation.

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