At least one person has died, and others have gone blind. After using over-the-counter artificial tears, the CDC said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One person has died and at least three others have lost permanent vision. Because of a bacterial infection possibly linked to a brand of over-the-counter eyedrops.
Most of the victims reported using preservative-free Ezricare artificial tears before becoming ill. The CDC said in a statement dated Jan. 20.
Although infections have not been definitively identified in eyedrops. The CDC recommends that “patients immediately stop using EzriCare artificial. Tears until epidemiological investigations and laboratory analyzes are complete.”
So far, the CDC team has identified at least 50 people. In 11 states with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria resistant to most antibiotics. Cases have been reported in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New Mexico. New York, Nevada, Texas, Utah and Washington.
Most patients said they used EzriCare artificial tears before they got sick. Eleven developed eye infections, at least three of whom went blind in one eye. Others had respiratory infections or urinary tract infections. One person died if the bacteria entered the patient’s blood.
It is unclear whether the affected patients. Had an underlying eye condition, such as glaucoma or cataracts. That made them more susceptible. Symptoms of an eye infection include pain. Swelling, discharge, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light. And the sensation of having some foreign object stuck in the eye.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria are commonly found in water and soil. And even on the hands of otherwise healthy people. Infections usually occur in hospital settings in immunocompromised individuals. These types of bacteria are often resistant to standard antibiotics.
“That’s the concern,” said Dr. Jill Weatherhead, assistant professor of tropical medicine. And infectious diseases at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “Our standard treatment is no longer available” to treat this infection.
Drops under investigation are marked as conservation-free. That is, the product does not contain anything that can inhibit microbiological growth. The product may become contaminated during the manufacturing process. Or when a person with bacteria on their skin opens the container.
The CDC found the bacteria in the eyedrop bottles. And is testing to see if that bacteria matches the strain found in the patients.
As of Tuesday, EzriCare had not recalled artificial tears. They are sold on Amazon and in stores like Walmart.
![Abbott Laboratories is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. The company confirmed Friday, a year after shuttering. A Michigan baby-formula plant following reports of illness. Abbott did not specify which aspect of the company. As under investigation by the Justice Department. "The DOJ has informed us of its investigation and we. Are cooperating ," an Abbott spokesman said. In a statement to NBC News. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier Friday that the Justice Department. Is investigating conduct at Abbott's plant in Sturgis, Michigan, citing. Unnamed people familiar with the matter. NBC News has not confirmed the nature of the investigation. The DOJ declined to comment Saturday. Abbott halted production at its Sturgis infant. Formula manufacturing plant on February 17, 2022. After infants consuming formula made at the plant became ill. The shutdown contributed to nationwide infant formula shortages. Four babies, two of whom died, were sickened by a rare bacteria. After consuming powdered formula made at Abbott's Michigan factory. Federal investigators have not been able. To definitively determine the source or origin of the bacteria, Cronobacter sakazakii. Which can cause fatal illnesses. The company signed a consent decree with the federal government. In May that outlined what it would do before reopening its plant. The Food and Drug Administration said when the proposed consent decree. Was announced that "the government alleged that powdered infant formula products manufactured. At Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis facility. Were adulterated because they were manufactured under unsanitary conditions. And in violation of current good manufacturing practice requirements." Production at the Michigan plant, which makes three of the nation's most popular. Brands — Similac, Alimentum and Elecare — resumed in June. Abbott Labs previously said it "continue[s]. To improve our manufacturing and quality processes. To ensure our products remain. Free of Cronbacter sakazakii" and "has already begun implementing corrective actions. And enhancements at the facility." The company also said its own internal testing confirmed. A lack of a genetic match between the sick children and the formula. And it said it had not found the bacteria in any of the products it distributed.](https://todaystrendnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/After-baby-formula-problems-Abbott-Laboratories-under-DOJ-investigation-2-305x207.jpg)
