SC has 1st case of fungal meningitis tied to shots

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Story Created: Oct 25, 2012 at 3:15 PM EDT

Story Updated: Oct 28, 2012 at 2:15 PM EDT

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Health officials are reporting South Carolina's first probable case of fungal meningitis linked to steroid shots for back pain.

Interim state epidemiologist Linda Bell says the South Carolina resident is being treated with antifungal medications as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The medication made by a specialty pharmacy in Massachusetts has been recalled.

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control says additional lab testing is pending to confirm the diagnosis.

The CDC reports that 317 cases nationwide have been identified so far, with 24 deaths.

Nearly 14,000 people in 23 states were exposed to potentially contaminated steroid injections between May 21 and Sept. 26.

Symptoms of infection include fever, swelling, warmth at injection site, chest pain or drainage from the surgical site.

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