Meningitis

A recent outbreak of fungal meningitis has affected over 200 people in several states across the U.S. (so far, there are no reported cases in Colorado). According to the Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment, “The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are coordinating a multistate investigation of fungal meningitis among patients who received epidural steroid injections (medication injected into the spine).” For more information on this outbreak, visit the CDC website.

There are several types of meningitis, including fungal, viral, and bacterial. The Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment has put together a website of information on meningitis, including resources on infectious diseases in school and child care settings; differences between the types of meningitis; letters and forms for use in case of an outbreak; and a link to the Colorado Communicable Disease Manual, which offers more in-depth information on meningitis and other diseases that can be passed on to others.