U.S. health officials announced on Thursday that a company is recalling its over-the-counter eye drops due to a drug-resistant infection outbreak.
This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health alert to physicians, noting that the outbreak affected at least 55 people across 12 states. At least five other people suffered permanent vision loss, and one died.
The infections, some of which were discovered in the blood, urine, and lungs, were associated with EzriCare Artificial Tears. A lot of people admitted to using the lubricant, which is used to treat dryness and irritation.
The eye drops are manufactured in India by Global Pharma Healthcare and are marketed under the name EzriCare. EzriCare Artificial Tears and another product, Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears, were both recalled by the company, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
A lack of testing and insufficient packaging controls were among the production issues for which the FDA advised the recall. The agency also prohibited importation into the US.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the name of the bacteria that caused the infections. Although more testing was being done, investigators found it in open EzriCare bottles.
The U.S. distributor of the eye drops, EzriCare, stated that it is not aware of any concrete proof connecting the epidemic to the product but has still ceased selling the eye drops. Customers are urged to avoid using the product in a notice posted on the company’s website.
Patients had infections that were identified in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. In Washington, an individual with a blood illness passed away.
Because the bacteria causing the outbreak are resistant to common antibiotics, it is seen to be very concerning. Researchers discovered that none of the antibiotics usually tested at public health laboratories were effective against the bacteria.
A more recent antibiotic called cefiderocol, nevertheless, appeared to be effective. How could eye drop lead to blood or pulmonary infections? The tear ducts allow the eye to communicate with the nasal cavity.
The nasal cavity and the lungs are both entry points for bacteria. Additionally, bacteria in these areas of the body can start infections at other locations, like in the blood or wounds, according to CDC officials.
Continue Reading the Latest News:
- A Pennsylvania Man Was Found Guilty of Sexually Abusing More Than 20 Children.
- A Man is Accused of Throwing a Firebomb at a Synagogue in New Jersey
- Indictment for over $140 million in Medicare and Medicaid fraud