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Mexico blames anaesthesiologist for 35 meningitis deaths

Published:Wednesday | February 8, 2023 | 4:32 PM
It is alleged the anaesthesiologist used contaminated morphine. The authorities said that the doctor used “improper procedures” in administering spinal blocks, mainly on pregnant women. - Contributed photo.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Authorities in Mexico said Tuesday they have arrested an anaesthesiologist they blame for an outbreak of meningitis that has killed 35 patients and sickened 79.

Sonia de la Garza, the chief prosecutor in the northern state of Durango, alleged the anaesthesiologist used contaminated morphine.

It was unclear what charges he faces.

De la Garza said the doctor used “improper procedures” in administering spinal blocks, mainly on pregnant women.

The doctor, whose name was withheld, apparently carried his own morphine from one private hospital to another, spreading a fungal infection that contaminated the medication at the first clinic, authorities said.

The drug may not have been stored properly.

Some smaller hospitals or maternity clinics in Mexico don't have their own dispensing pharmacies or are not authorised to handle controlled medications like opiates, and thus rely on anaesthesiologists to bring their own.

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