Stepmother of Mount Pleasant Woman Dies from Fungal Meningitis

A deadly outbreak of fungal meningitis linked to tainted steroid injections has claimed a Mount Pleasant woman's stepmother.

Lilian Cary, 67, of Howell, Mich., died Sept. 30 from fungal meningitis. Like 13 other victims across the country, Carey had back pain that was treated with a antibiotic steroid injection, according to the Detroit News.

Cary's stepdaughter, Jill Cary Bloser of Mount Pleasant, and her stepsister and father spoke to the media this week in Michigan.

"I think that right now, the grief and this belief that something like this could happen is still there," Bloser said. "We haven't had much time to get online and see what could be to blame for this. The anger has not yet been a factor."

Cary's husband, George, also received the steroid shots. Though he has not developed symptoms, he is at risk.

"Our loss and that of the others should be a wake-up call to our country. ... The apparent lack of suitable inspections should not have happened," said George Cary, in a press conference with reporters.

FULL COVERAGE: Read more on Hartland (Mich.) Patch.

The outbreak has been traced to a Massachusetts pharmaceutical compounder. The facility shipped potentially tainted injections to medical practices in 23 states, including one in Mount Pleasant and another in North Charleston.

Though more than 200 individuals received the methylprednisolone acetate injections at interveneMD locations in Charleston County, there have been no confirmed cases locally. but they were ultimately cleared of any symptoms.

The local medical practice has made contact with all but four of the patients who received the potentially harmful injections, according to the Post and Courier.

Fungal meningitis is not contagious, and only people who were given the injections should be concerned, the CDC advises. Here are the symptoms: New or worsening headache, fever, sensitivity to light, stiff neck, new weakness or numbness in part of the body, slurred speech or increased irritation at the injection site.