What to Do If You Have An Infection From An Endoscope

An endoscope is a small video camera that can enter a patient’s body to screen for diseases or treat existing conditions, and over 19 million people undergo an endoscopic procedure every year. One type of endoscope, a duodenoscope, has been connected with spreading a dangerous, and sometimes deadly antibiotic-resistant infection.

If you have an infection from an endoscope, you should be treated immediately and carefully monitored. Upon recovery, you should know that you could be entitled to compensation.

Symptoms of a Superbug Infection

 The infection spread by the duodenoscope is classified as a superbug. A superbug infection carries the same symptoms as a regular infection, however, treating a superbug infection is very difficult because it’s resistant to antibiotics and typically appears in people who are already ill. Doctors typically use older antibiotics or a combination of drugs to treat the infection.

Any unusual signs following an endoscopic procedure should be carefully monitored and considered serious. The below signs could signal a very serious infection:

• Severe urinary tract infection
• Septic shock
• High fever
• Severe pneumonia
• Sepsis

Endoscope Infection Lawsuits

Upon returning to health, you may qualify for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Affected patients have filed lawsuits against makers of duodenoscopes, including Olympus, Pentax and Fujifilm, for a faulty product design. An Arkansas endoscope infection lawyer can offer legal guidance and explain what options are available to you.