Medical Tourism Can Be Deadly

Given an increase in outbreaks caused by different microorganisms associated with medical and health tourism, the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) recently announced it encouraged Member States to strengthen their capacity to detect and manage related infections.

On July 7, 2023, the PAHO/WHO stated in recent years, the Region of the Americas has experienced an exponential growth of international travel in search of health care. For example, millions of Americans travel to other countries for health care each year, primarily to Mexico, Canada, and other countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

It is estimated that for the United States alone, the annual number has increased from 750,000 to 1.4 million over ten years (2007 to 
2017). 

Additionally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Mexican Ministry of Health, and U.S. state health departments are responding to a multinational fungal meningitis outbreak among 35 people who had procedures in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Ten U.S. patients have confirmed cases of fungal meningitis, and eight have died, according to the U.S. CDC.

The CDC says anyone who had procedures under epidural anesthesia from January to May 13, 2023, is at risk for fungal meningitis.... and should go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible to be evaluated for fungal meningitis, even if you do not currently have symptoms.

Fungal meningitis is a rare, life-threatening fungal infection that causes swelling of the areas around the brain and spinal cord. Starting treatment right away if you are found to have fungal meningitis greatly increases the likelihood of survival.

However, infections are not contagious and are not spread from person to person, says the CDC.