CDC issues travel warning for Mexico after reports of fungal meningitis infections
After several U.S. residents were diagnosed with suspected fungal meningitis infections contracted following medical or surgical procedures in Matamoros, Mexico, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel advisory.
CDC’s official website reported that five Texas residents were diagnosed with fungal meningitis after recently undergoing medical procedures. The Texas Department of State Health Services said one person has died, and four others were hospitalized. Due to the reports of the infections, a level 2 advisory was issued, urging travelers to “practice enhanced precautions.”
An official press release from the Texas Department of Health stated the infected travelers had medical or surgical procedures, such as liposuction, that involved injecting an anesthetic into the area around the spinal column. It revealed that procedures were performed at River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3 in Matamoros.
DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH., emphasized the importance of people who recently had medical procedures to “monitor themselves for symptoms of meningitis.”
“Meningitis, especially when caused by bacteria or fungus, can be a life-threatening illness unless treated promptly,” Shuford said. The CDC added that travelers who had procedures involving an epidural injection of an anesthetic since Jan. 1 should be on high alert for symptoms.
Symptoms of fungal meningitis can vary, but often include fever, stiff neck, headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. The infection is not contagious and can be treated if caught in time. People with pre-existing conditions or weakened immune systems are at higher risk of contraction.
The agency advised potential travelers to “cancel any procedure that involves an epidural injection of an anesthetic in Matamoros, Mexico, until there is evidence that there is no longer a risk for infection at these clinics.”
Medical tourism to foreign countries, especially Mexico, is becoming more common. USA TODAY spoke with Ricardo Ainslie, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and director of research and education at the healthcare partnership AMPATH Mexico, prior to the reports of the fungal infections in Matamoros.
“Medical tourism has been a very big part of the border communities for many, many, many years,” Ainslie said. “It’s primarily driven by the fact that it’s easy to get appointments and that it’s much less expensive.”
Traveling outside of the country for procedures can be risky for various reasons. According to the CDC, quality of care and language barriers are just a few variables leading to unsafe conditions. The agency recommends extensive research of your healthcare provider and “purchasing travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation.”
Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her favorite things to cover include “person of interest” pieces, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything about Beyoncé. Her bylines can be found in Blavity, Black Excellence, Signature Bride, Black Wall Street Times, and HipHop Weekly. Martie can be reached via email at martiebowser@detourxp.com.