Location: Matamoros, Mexico
Event: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Fungal Infections Following Surgical Procedures in Mexico.
Recently, some U.S. residents returning from Matamoros, Mexico, were diagnosed with suspected fungal meningitis infections that have led to severe illness and death.
Travelers with these infections had medical or surgical procedures (including liposuction) that involved injection of an anesthetic into the area around the spinal column (i.e., epidural) performed at clinics in Matamoros, including River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3.
Risk to the general public is low. Fungal meningitis infections are not contagious and are not transmitted person-to-person. Symptoms of fungal meningitis infections include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, or sensitivity to light.
Actions to Take:
- If you had a procedure in Matamoros that involved an epidural injection of an anesthetic and you experience any of the above symptoms, go to a hospital emergency department immediately and tell them about your procedure and where you traveled.
- If you had a procedure involving an epidural injection of an anesthetic in Matamoros, Mexico, any time since January 1, 2023, monitor yourself for symptoms and consider consulting a healthcare professional.
- Cancel any procedure that involves an epidural injection of an anesthetic in Matamoros, Mexico, until there is evidence that there is no longer a risk for infection at these clinics.
Assistance:
From Mexico: (55) 8526 2561
From the United States: 1-844-528-6611
- Department of State – Consular Affairs: 1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-444
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
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