A fungal meningitis outbreak connected to surgical procedures performed in Matamoros, Mexico, has tragically resulted in six fatalities. Health authorities are working diligently to address the situation, but incomplete contact information poses a significant challenge in reaching all individuals potentially exposed.

Over 200 patients who underwent surgery in Matamoros between January 1 and May 13, 2023, are considered at risk. The two clinics implicated in the outbreak, River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3, ceased operations on May 13. The proximity of Matamoros to Brownsville, Texas, underscores the urgency of the situation for both U.S. and Mexican health officials.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that nearly half of the individuals requiring medical evaluation and testing have yet to be contacted due to incomplete records. This obstacle hampers efforts to contain the outbreak and provide necessary medical care. The CDC is collaborating closely with the Mexican Ministry of Health, along with state and local health departments in the U.S., to coordinate a comprehensive response.

Meningitis, characterized by inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, demands immediate medical attention. Symptoms typically manifest as fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and sensitivity to light. Various factors, including viruses, bacteria, trauma, and fungi, can trigger meningitis. In the Texas cases linked to the Matamoros clinics, symptoms emerged between three days and six weeks post-surgery.