Editor's note: This story was updated on February 3 with details in regards to the recall.
February 1, 2023 – A bacterial outbreak linked to eye drops has caused one death and sickened not less than 55 people in 11 states, based on the CDC. Some patients have been hospitalized and a few are actually permanently blind. At least one person has died from a blood infection linked to the drops.
“Recent epidemiological and laboratory evidence links these infections to the use of EzriCare artificial tears,” the CDC said in a opinion.
Although no recall was initially requested, Global Pharma Healthcare, the manufacturer of the products, announced Thursday that it was recalling all artificial tear drops sold within the United States.
The CDC recommends stopping using EzriCare artificial tears. The over-the-counter product is obtainable at retailers akin to Walmart.
The bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosatypically causes blood or lung infections which can be immune to many antibiotics. The variety of bacteria is present within the environment and is often present in water and soil.
The cases occurred from May 17, 2022, to January 19, in the next states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Texas, Utah and Washington.
New Jersey-based company EzriCare released a special website and stated that the corporate has not received any complaints from consumers on this regard.
In a press release on its website on Jan. 24, the corporate said it had “not received any communication from any regulatory agency providing EzriCare with findings or details of the ongoing investigation. We have not been asked to conduct a recall.”
The CDC said its investigation continues to be ongoing.