Meningitis Outbreak at Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville

Local news outlets are reporting that some eleven patients who had lumbar epidural steroid injections at Nashville’s Saint Hospital have contracted meningitis.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, which is the membrane surrounding your brain and spinal cord.  Usually meningitis is caused by a viral infection, but it can also be caused by bacterial or fungal infections.  Meningitis can be deadly, and news reports indicate that two people have died from meningitis contracted at the Saint Thomas Outpatient Neurosurgery Center.

The Center was voluntarily closed on September 20, 2012. A total of 737 patients who had lumbar epidural steroid injections between July 30, 2012 and September 20, 2012 have been notified .

The Tennessee Department of Health has indicated that St. Thomas Hospital itself is not part of the probe and that no other medical fatalities in Tennessee have been identified as a problem.

The signs and symptoms of meningitis typically includes high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting or nausea, and confusion or difficulty concentrating.  Seizures may also occur.

There is no reason at present to believe that this condition is contagious. 

The Law Offices of John Day has been contacted by one person who may have a claim arising out of this matter.  If you or a loved one had one or more  lumbar epidural steroid injections at Nashville’s Saint Thomas Outpatient Neurosurgery Center between July 30 and September 20, 2012 please contact John Day for a free consultation.  John can be reached at 615.742.4880 or 866.812.8787.  You may also complete a Contact Form and we will call you.

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