Mich. man at risk for meningitis after losing wife

By Ed White

Associated Press

Published: Tuesday, Oct. 9 2012 1:06 a.m. MDT

This undated family photo provided by George Cary shows Lilian Cary of Howell, Mich. Friends and family gathered Monday, Oct. 8, 2012, for a wake for 67-year-old Cary who died in September, weeks after being treated with contaminated steroids for back pain. Officials say the number of Michigan fungal meningitis cases is climbing. The number now stands at 22, including a non-meningitis infection of a joint. Two women have died.

Family Photo, George Cary, Associated Press

Enlarge photo»

Summary

A Michigan man hopes he can dodge the same illness that led to his wife's death.

DETROIT — A Michigan man hopes he can dodge the same illness that led to his wife's death.

George Cary is holding a memorial service Tuesday in Howell, Mich., for Lilian Cary, who developed fungal meningitis after getting tainted steroid injections for back pain. Cary says he's at risk after getting similar injections at the same clinic.

Cary says results from a spinal tap last weekend aren't in yet. He says he's left "watching the clock" until he gets the news.

Michigan has 21 cases of meningitis related to steroids made by a specialty pharmacy in Massachusetts. Two women have died, including Lilian Cary, a 67-year-old Brit who moved to the U.S. in 1965.

George Cary says his wife was taken off life support Sept. 30 after suffering a stroke.

Comments