A brand of eye drop is believed to be linked to a bacterial infection that has caused the death of one person and permanent vision loss in three others, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Experts have identified 50 cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an antibiotic-resistant bacterium common in 11 US states. According to the American agency, the majority of those affected would have used EzriCare Artificial Tears brand eye drops before developing the infection.
CDC warns one brand of eye drops may be linked to drug-resistant bacterial infections
“Stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears,” the CDC warned after one person died and other people were blinded after using the over-the-counter product, reports https://t.co/SnIk4V4D5Z pic.twitter.com/IHLA2fGtW5– Swipe SmartFeed (@smartfeedtrail) February 2, 2023
Among the cases listed, 11 people developed eye infections and three of them became blind in one eye.
One person died when the bacteria entered their bloodstream.
The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is usually found in water, soil and the hands of people who have handled contaminated objects. These infections are common in hospitals in immunocompromised patients.
It’s possible that the contamination of the drops occurred during the manufacture of the product or if the bottle was opened by someone who had the bacteria on their skin.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is asking patients and healthcare professionals to stop using the product while testing is complete.
With information from FOX News