Fort Wayne Physical Medicine: no patients at risk for fungal meningitis

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The Fort Wayne clinic that had received doses of a contaminated steroid blamed in a fungal meningitis outbreak across the country has said that none of its patients were exposed to a risk of infection.

Fort Wayne Physical Medicine (FWPM) clarified on Monday that its patients were not given methylprednisolone acetate by epidural injection, but instead through the joints.  A spokesperson explained to NewsChannel 15 that in order to be sickened by the fungus, one would have to receive the contaminated medicine through the spine.

After being notified of a voluntary recall, FWPM returned all of the doses as directed by the manufacturer, New England Compounding Center and the Indiana State Board of Health.

Donna Del Priore, media relations manager for FWPM said the clinic has been in touch with most patients to keep them informed and to educate them on symptoms of fungal meningitis.  Del Priore said the patients seemed grateful for the calls. 

Patients were told that while they should not be at any risk, if they were to experience any symptoms they should contact the clinic immediately.