The CDC is monitoring more than 200 U.S. patients who may be at risk for fungal meningitis likely tied to surgical procedures they underwent at clinics in a Mexico border city, the agency said May 24.
As of May 24, the CDC has identified nine suspected cases and nine probable cases of fungal meningitis among Americans in 24 states and the District of Columbia. The cases are tied to two clinics in the border city of Matamoros, Mexico. Two of the affected individuals have died and the clinics have since been closed, the CDC said.
"The CDC recommends anyone who got surgery, including liposuction, with an epidural in Matamoros in 2023 should seek medical care to be evaluated for a possible fungal infection," the Texas health department said.
The CDC is now working with the Mexican Ministry of Health and local health departments to alert and monitor 224 patients who had surgery at one of the clinics from January through May 13.
Editor's note: This article was updated May 25 at 4:40 p.m. CT.