On May 17, CDC issued a health advisory about an outbreak of suspected fungal meningitis among U.S. patients hospitalized in Texas after undergoing cosmetic procedures under epidural anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico. It is currently unknown which organism(s) is causing the outbreak. As of May 12, five patients have been diagnosed with suspected fungal meningitis; all have been hospitalized, and one has died. All these patients received epidural anesthesia and underwent cosmetic procedures. Affected patients underwent procedures in at least two clinics in Matamoros, Mexico, including River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3. Other facilities might be identified through further investigation.
Healthcare providers and the public should be aware that patients who underwent medical or surgical procedures under epidural anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico, and who have developed signs or symptoms of possible meningitis, such as fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and altered mental status should promptly seek evaluation by a healthcare provider and convey that medical history.
Additional CDC Resources
Information about meningitis:
• Meningitis
• Fungal Meningitis
Health information for travelers:
• Mexico Traveler Health
• Fungal Infections Following Surgical Procedures in Mexico – Alert – Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions – Travel Health Notices
• Medical Tourism CDC Yellow Book 2024 (clinicians)
• Traveling Abroad for Medical Care (travelers)