At a glance
During this COCA Call, presenters will provide epidemiological updates, give an in-depth description of the clinical course of patients treated in the United States, and discuss what clinicians need to know to evaluate and treat people under investigation and those with suspected and confirmed cases during this fungal meningitis outbreak.
Overview
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Mexico Ministry of Health, and U.S. state and local health departments are responding to a multinational outbreak of fungal meningitis among patients who underwent surgical procedures under epidural anesthesia in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, since January 1, 2023. To date, more than 200 U.S. citizens have been exposed to these procedures with three deaths resulting from this fungal meningitis outbreak.
During this COCA Call, presenters will provide epidemiological updates, give an in-depth description of the clinical course of patients treated in the United States, and discuss what clinicians need to know to evaluate and treat people under investigation and those with suspected and confirmed cases during this fungal meningitis outbreak.
Presenters
Tom Chiller, MD, MPHTM
Chief, Mycotic Diseases Branch
Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Dallas Smith, PharmD, MAS
LT, U.S. Public Health Service
Epidemiologist, Mycotic Diseases Branch
Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner, MD, FACP, FIDSA
Professor and Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases
McGovern Medical School
University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Chief Epidemiology Officer
Memorial Hermann Healthcare System
Call Objectives
COCA Call Objectives
At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to accomplish the following:
- Cite background information on the topic covered during the presentation.
- Discuss CDC's role in the topic covered during the presentation.
- Describe the topic's implications for clinicians.
- Discuss concerns and/or issues related to preparedness for and/or response to urgent public health threats.
- Promote health improvement, wellness, and disease prevention in cooperation with patients, communities, at-risk populations, and other members of an interprofessional team of healthcare providers.
Additional Resources
- HAN #1: Health Alert Network (HAN) – 00491 | Outbreak of Suspected Fungal Meningitis in U.S. Patients who Underwent Surgical Procedures under Epidural Anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico (cdc.gov)
- HAN #2: Health Alert Network (HAN) – 00492 | Important Updates on Outbreak of Fungal Meningitis in U.S. Patients Who Underwent Surgical Procedures under Epidural Anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico (cdc.gov)
- CDC Fungal Meningitis Outbreak Webpage: Suspected Fungal Meningitis Outbreak Associated with Procedures Performed under Epidural Anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico | HAI | CDC
- CDC Level-2 Travel Health Notice: Fungal Infections Following Surgical Procedures in Mexico – Alert – Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions – Travel Health Notices | Travelers' Health | CDC
- Interim Recommendations Webpage: Interim Guidance Matamoros FM Outbreak 5_20_23 – Fungus Education Hub
- CDC Fungal Meningitis Outbreak Webpage (Spanish): Brote de presunta meningitis micótica asociado con procedimientos realizados con anestesia epidural en Matamoros, México | HAI | CDC
Target Audience
- Physicians
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Veterinarians
- Physician Assistants
- Health Educators
- Other Clinicians
Additional Information
- Contact Information: coca@cdc.gov
- Support/Funding: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emergency Risk Communication Branch
- Method of Participation: You may participate in the educational activity by viewing the program information above.