3 dead, 4 lose eyeball due to bacterial infection linked to eyedrops

Eye Drops Infections

FILE - This scanning electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows rod-shaped Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. U.S. health officials are advising people to stop using the over-the-counter eye drops, EzriCare Artificial Tears, that have been linked to an outbreak of drug-resistant infections of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. (Janice Haney Carr/CDC via AP)AP

An “extensively drug-resistant” bacterial infection linked to eyedrops has resulted in three deaths, eight cases of vision loss and four people having an eyeball removed, officials said.

This is the first-ever outbreak of this strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the United States, according to a news release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). So far, 68 patients have been identified across 16 states; no cases have been reported in Michigan.

The federal agency recommends discontinuing use of EzriCare or Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears products, which were the most commonly used by patients who became infected.

Laboratory testing by the CDC identified the presence of the bacteria in opened EzriCare bottles from multiple lots; these bottles were collected from patients with and without eye infections and from two states.

The CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are working together with state and local health departments to investigate this outbreak, which is associated with multiple types of infections, including eye infections.

Patients who have used EzriCare or Delsam Pharma’s artificial tears and have symptoms of an eye infection should seek immediate medical care.

Eye infection symptoms may include:

  • Yellow, green or clear discharge from the eye
  • Eye pain or discomfort
  • Redness of the eye or eyelid
  • Feeling of something in your eye (foreign body sensation)
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision

READ MORE:

CDC warns of ‘alarming’ spread of deadly fungus across U.S.

‘Exceedingly rare’ fungal disease identified in 35 U.P. mill workers

6 live giant African snails found in suitcase at Michigan airport

U.P. town’s controversial cow debate: Should livestock be allowed in town?

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.