Fungal meningitis after surgery in Mexico: Matamoros

30 May 2023

The United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports some US residents returning from Matamoros, Mexico were diagnosed with suspected fungal meningitis infections resulting in severe illness and death.

These people had undergone medical or surgical procedures (including liposuction) involving an epidural (spinal) anaesthetic at private clinics in Matamoros.

Symptoms of fungal meningitis include high temperature (fever), headache, neck stiffness, feeling or being sick (vomiting), confusion, or sensitivity to light. Symptoms can take weeks to develop, and they may be very mild or absent initially.

The CDC notes that all medical and surgical procedures carry some risk, and complications can occur regardless of where in the world treatment is received.

The CDC advises that the public should cancel any planned medical or surgical procedure that involves an epidural injection of an anaesthetic in clinics in Matamoros, Mexico until there is evidence that there is no longer a risk for infection.

• See further information from CDC on this outbreak including advice for travellers who have already undergone treatment in Matamoros, Mexico

See the fitfortravel Medical Tourism page for general advice on seeking medical care abroad.