TDH Update on Outbreak of Infections Associated with Epidural Steroid Injections-October 7, 2012

NASHVILLE – As of 2 p.m. Central time Oct. 7, 2012, the Tennessee Department of Health is aware of 32 patients with meningitis, epidural abscess or posterior stroke associated with epidural steroid injections provided at these three facilities:  PCA Pain Center in Oak Ridge, Saint Thomas Outpatient Neurosurgery Center in Nashville and the Specialty Surgery Center in Crossville. The number of confirmed deaths in this situation is three.

Individuals who have had an epidural steroid injection at one of these facilities should contact their health care provider for an assessment. Tennesseans wanting to ask questions about the outbreak may contact the Tennessee Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. 

The symptoms of infection associated with this outbreak vary from mild to severe, and may include worsening to severe headache; fever; stiff neck; unsteadiness or falling; back pain; dizziness; slurred speech and other unusual or abnormal symptoms.

TDH will provide new information on this investigation in a media briefing on Monday, Oct. 8, at 1 p.m. Central time. Media members may participate in the briefing via telephone by calling 1-888-757-2790, passcode 781337.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. For more information about TDH services and programs, visit http://health.state.tn.us/.