Washington. Many people of America are finding it very difficult to undergo cosmetic surgery (surgery) in Mexico. There have been complaints of fungal infection in them. After this, the American and Mexican authorities have urged the World Health Organization to declare the outbreak a public health emergency.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that two people who underwent surgery involving epidural anesthesia in the Mexican city of Matamoros have died of meningitis. Both these people had done liposuction, in which the fat accumulated in the parts of the body is removed. Along with this, about 400 people are being monitored in America and Mexico. At the same time, two cosmetic clinics have been closed in Matamoros city.
Many Americans go to Mexico for cosmetic surgery
Many US citizens travel to Mexico for cosmetic surgeries such as liposuction, breast augmentation and Brazilian butt lift. During this, everyone is given anesthesia to numb the lower part of the spinal cord. The CDC’s Dallas Smith said two cosmetic clinics in the city of Matamoros contaminated drugs used during anesthesia, which is the cause of the current outbreak.
The CDC wrote, “Officials have identified two clinics linked to the outbreak, the River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3, which were closed on May 13, 2023.”
‘Hundreds more at risk’
The CDC has warned that hundreds more could be at risk. The CDC said it has already identified 25 people with ‘suspected’ or ‘probable’ cases of fungal meningitis in the US. More than 200 Americans who visited clinics in Matamoros between January and May 13 are at risk.
Symptoms of meningitis may include fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and changes in mental status. The CDC notes that fungal meningitis infections are not contagious and do not spread from person to person. However, it is necessary to contact the doctors immediately as soon as the symptoms appear, as it can soon become life-threatening.