Fourteen people, including the two owners of the New England Compounding Center (NECC) in Massachusetts were apprehended in connection with the 2012 meningitis national outbreak. Two of them were charged with second-degree murder. Sixty four people died in what is known as the nation's biggest criminal case brought about by contaminated medicine.
The nationwide meningitis outbreak in 2012 was brought about by pharmacists who used unsanitary gloves, littered with mold and bacteria, and provided patients with expired supplies to clinics and hospitals. The drugs were not tested for purity prior to their delivery at designated hospitals across the country, reports say.
New England Compounding Center pharmacy owners Glenn Adam Chin and Barry Cadden faced charges of second degree murder for their "wanton and willful" disregard of their actions, which killed 25 patients across seven states. Tainted steroids from the pharmaceutical company were said to be the cause of the deadly outbreak two years ago.
Stephen Weymouth, Chin's legal counsel, says his client was remorseful of the incident and has not intended to harm anyone.
According to Cadden's lawyer, Bruce Singal, what was supposed to be a tragic event was aggravated, turning it into a federal crime.
"Not every accident, and not every tragedy, are caused by criminal conduct," Singal shared in a statement.
Every patient, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Delery, has the right to safe medications. He also reiterated how NECC had disregarded this, as well as safety regulations and human life.
Meningitis is a fatal disease. Initial symptoms typically include vomiting, headaches, and fever. Patients affected with the illness also develop septicemia and red ticks. Meningitis patients also experience confusion, loss of appetite, seizures, sleepiness, sensitivity bright lights and stiff neck. As the disease progresses, patients also develop pale skin, cold hands and feet, as well as pale skin.
Meningitis is often caused by a viral infection, but can also be caused by a bacterial infection. The national outbreak which left 64 people dead was caused by a less common form of meningitis, which was a fungal infection.
