by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:35 AM ET, Thu May 18, 2023
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) issued a warning to travelers considering medical trips to Mexico after several
Americans returned with suspected fungal meningitis infections.
According to the CDC’s official
website, five Texas residents were diagnosed with fungal meningitis after recently
undergoing a medical procedure in Matamoros, Mexico. The Texas Department of
State Health Services said one person has died and four others were
hospitalized.
Officials from the CDC and Texas health department said all
the infected U.S. citizens received an epidural during their procedures and
warned other Americans who received the same shot in Matamoros this year to
keep an eye out for possible symptoms of fungal meningitis.
“It is very important that people who have recently had
medical procedures in Mexico monitor themselves for symptoms of meningitis,”
Texas health department commissioner Dr. Jennifer Shuford told ABC
News. “Meningitis, especially when caused by bacteria or fungus, can be a
life-threatening illness unless treated promptly.”
The CDC’s Level 2 advisory advises travelers to “practice
enhanced precautions” while health authorities investigate the incidents.
Americans are advised to cancel any procedures in Matamoros that involve an
epidural for the foreseeable future.
On Wednesday, the U.S.
Department of State issued updated travel warnings to three destinations,
two upgraded to the Level 3: Reconsider Travel warning level (Jamaica and Colombia)
and the other upgraded to the Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution warning level
(Chile).
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