First case of fungal meningitis

South Carolina health officials are reporting the first probable case of fungal meningitis in a state resident related to the investigation of steroid injections from a potentially contaminated product called methylprednisolone acetate. “The patient is being treated with antifungal medications based on treatment guidelines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” said Dr. Linda Bell, M.D. and Interim State Epidemiologist. “Fungal meningitis poses no additional risk to others, as it is not transmitted from person to person.” Additional lab testing is pending to confirm the diagnosis of fungal meningitis in the S.C. patient and rule out other potential causes of meningitis. At this time, the case is considered probable. DHEC has been working with healthcare providers to raise awareness about patients who have symptoms that suggest possible fungal infection.