One person has died and at least three have permanent vision loss from bacterial infections that may be linked to brands of over-the-counter eye drops, the agency said. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionWednesday urged consumers to stop using EzriCare artificial tears during the study. outbreak.
According to Maroya Spalding Walters, head of the CDC’s antimicrobial resistance team, most of the affected people reported using preservative-free EzriCare artificial tears before becoming ill. increase.
So far, the CDC has identified at least 55 people in 12 states. Pseudomonas aeruginosaa kind of bacteria resistant to most antibioticsCases have been reported in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Three-quarters of patients said they had used artificial tears before developing an infection. Of those who could remember the brand name, 85% of them said they did not use preservatives. EzriCare Artificial Tearssaid Walters. CDC was the first to warn the public of the potential danger. statement Date January 20th.
Although the infection has not been conclusively traced to eye drops, CDC is working with the Food and Drug Administration and state and local health officials to investigate.
“To my knowledge, this is the first time these highly resistant organisms have been associated with contaminated products,” Walters said.
Eleven people developed eye infections, and at least three of them lost sight in one eye. Others had respiratory or urinary tract infections. One died when the bacteria entered the bloodstream.
It is unknown whether affected patients had underlying eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacteria are commonly found in water, soil, and even the hands of otherwise healthy people.
such bacteria are often resistant Standard antibiotic.
“That’s something that’s very concerning,” said Dr. Jill Weatherhead, assistant professor of tropical medicine and infectious diseases at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. is no longer available.”
The drops under investigation are labeled as preservative-free.
“What that means is that there is nothing in the product that will prevent microbial growth,” says Walters.
Products can become contaminated during the manufacturing process or when the container is opened by someone who has bacteria on their skin. I’m testing to see if it matches the strain.
Symptoms of an eye infection
According to the CDC, people who have used eye drops should seek medical attention if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eyes.
- Eye pain or discomfort.
- Redness of the eyes and eyelids.
- Foreign body sensation in the eye (foreign body sensation).
- Increased sensitivity to light.
- blurred vision.
As of Wednesday, EzriCare Artificial Tears have not been recalled. They were sold at stores such as Amazon and Walmart.
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