2 dead, over 200 at risk of suspected meningitis after surgeries in Mexico, CDC says
CBSMAR 31 2023
Nearly a million Americans cross the border every year to travel to Mexico for low-cost cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation, and Brazilian butt lifts. However, such medical tourism should be regulated as most cosmetic surgeries require anesthetic injection into the area around the spinal column, and if contaminated medicines are used, as is sometimes the case, infection and post-procedure complications are devastating.
The US healthcare system is incredibly expensive, even for people with insurance, which is why Americans travel abroad for healthcare and cosmetic surgeries they can't afford at home. Since Mexico offers substantial savings to US patients, they are willing to assume the risks. Tragically, the absence of affordable and accessible medical services in the US continues pushing many Americans to endure complications, infections, inconvenience, and threats to life.