22 Fungal Meningitis Cases Reported In Michigan

HOWELL (WWJ/AP) - Michigan now has 22 confirmed cases on fungal meningitis associated with a steroid injection, including two deaths.

The latest victim to die from the infection, 67-year-old Lillian Cary of Howell, had been treated at Michigan Pain Specialists in Brighton with a steroid injection for her chronic back pain. The clinic is one of at least four in Michigan to receive the tainted steroid from a Massachusetts pharmacy. That injection is believed to be a contributing factor in her death.

Cary had first sought treatment for a lung infection at two local hospitals, but later suffered a stroke and died.

The steroid was made by a specialty pharmacy and shipped to four Michigan clinics in Grand Blanc, Brighton, Traverse City and Warren.

Angela Minicuci with the Michigan Department of Community Health said the number of cases in our state is expected to rise.

"We are working with those facilities to reach our the patients that may have received an epidural injection between July and the beginning of October and who may be experiencing particular symptoms," she said, including headaches  stroke-like symptoms such as slurred speech, and sensitivity to light.

Nationwide, there have been eight fatalities and the number of those sickened stands at 105.

A memorial service for Lilian Cary is set for Tuesday.

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