More Deaths Amounting from Meningitis Contaminated ShotsLisa Garber Though the condition is not transmitted from person-to-person, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that about 13,000 patients may have been injected with the contaminated steroid. The steroid in question is a painkiller, typically administered to relieve back pain. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found fungus in sealed vials of the steroid, which was produced by New England Compounding Center (NECC). Late last week, the NECC voluntarily recalled all of its products and removed its own license to operate until the investigations completion. Symptoms of Fungal Meningitis Meningitis inflames the membranes protecting the brain and spinal cord. Usually brought on by a viral or bacterial infection, fungal infection is rare and not contagious but no less deadly. Symptoms include headache; fever; nausea; stiffness of the neck; and (in the case of fungal infection) confusion, dizziness, and aversion to bright light. Common symptoms of fungal meningitis include severe headache, fever, nausea, confusion, dizziness, and sensitivity to light. Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University Medical Center says that symptoms are rarely mildand no wonder, since the condition causes blood vessels to clot or bleed, even causing small strokes. Dr. Schaffner encourages people experiencing these symptoms to approach a professional, since patients have a greater chance of survival if treated early. The CDC provides a list of the 76 medical facilities that bought the contaminated steroid. Additional Sources: Explore More: 