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Canada free of products linked to U.S. meningitis outbreak: Health Canada

Written by: QMI Agency
Oct. 30, 2012

(SHUTTERSTOCK)

Health Canada has reassured Canadians that none of the products connected to a deadly meningitis outbreak south of the border have been used in Canada.

But the federal agency is warning Canadians who have recently sought medical care in the U.S. to contact the facility they visited and find out if any products from the New England Compounding Center (NECC) were used in their procedures.

The NECC is the pharmaceutical company at the heart of a fungal meningitis outbreak that has sickened 337 people, including 25 who have died, in 18 states.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a widespread recall of NECC products used in medical treatments, procedures and surgeries on or after May 21, 2012.

"Canadians who may have been treated with an NECC product should immediately consult with a health-care provider," Health Canada said.

So far, there have been no reports of meningitis connected to the recall in Canada.

Health Canada said it's working closely with border officials and the FDA to make sure NECC products stay clear of Canadian hospitals.

 

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