Fungal meningitis: Montana not affected by outbreak Published Nov. 15, 2012 By Master Sgt. Steven Small Public Health NCO in charge MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Recently, various news sources have informed the public of a Fungal Meningitis outbreak. While this may have initially sparked alarm, there is very little reason to be concerned locally. The outbreak has been linked to an injectable steroid that was manufactured by the New England Compounding Center. Twenty-three states had received the suspected lot number of this steroid, of which Montana was not one of them. Because Montana was not one of the 23 states that received the affected lots, the risk is much lower for anyone receiving medical care in this state. As of Nov. 2, there have been 386 cases of Fungal Meningitis spread over 19 states. From the 386 cases, there have been 28 deaths. Fungal Meningitis is non-contagious and, therefore, cannot be passed from person to person. The only individuals currently identified to be at risk are those that received epidural (spinal) injections of steroid manufactured by the NECC. The 341st Medical Group pharmacy does not carry any medications made from NECC, to include affected lot numbers of this steroid. Additionally, the 341st MDG has not identified any cases of Meningitis diagnosed from TRICARE beneficiaries seen at the Malmstrom clinic since May 21, 2012. Even so, any member who has recently received injections in the lower back at any of the following states should notify their health care provider to determine if they have received one of the contaminated lots of this steroid: · California · Connecticut · Florida · Georgia · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Maryland · Michigan · Minnesota · North Carolina · New Hampshire · New Jersey · Nevada · New York · Ohio · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · Tennessee · Texas · Virginia · West Virginia. Please contact Malmstrom Public Health clinic at 731-4405 with any questions or concerns.