Fatal meningitis cases in Texas linked to Mexico 1:30

(CNN) -- A third person has died in the United States in connection with an outbreak of fungal meningitis linked to certain surgical procedures in Mexico, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.

Researchers identified 212 residents of 25 U.S. states and jurisdictions who may be at risk for the disease from receiving epidural anesthesia at one of two Matamoros clinics this year, the agency said in an update to its Health Alert Network. Among them, there are 14 suspected, 11 probable and two confirmed cases of fungal meningitis. Two of the deceased had probable cases and the other a confirmed case.

• Second Person Dies from Surgery-Associated Meningitis Outbreak in Mexico, CDC Says

The World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement Thursday that it is also monitoring the situation and urged its member states to remain alert to possible cases.

CDC urges anyone who received an epidural at River Side Surgical Center or the Matamoros K-3 Clinic between January 1 and May 13 to visit a health center or urgent care center as soon as possible to be screened for meningitis. even if you don't have symptoms. People who test positive for the infection will receive antifungal medications. Those who test negative will be asked to watch for symptoms and possibly return within two weeks for further testing.

Fungal meningitis is not spread from person to person. Symptoms of meningitis may include fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and changes in mental status. They can take weeks to develop and be mild at first, but can quickly become severe and life-threatening.

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Health officials are urging prospective patients to cancel certain procedures in Matamoros while they investigate the outbreak. However, the WHO said it does not recommend any specific measures for others who may visit Mexico.

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