This scanning electron microscope image provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows rod-shaped Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. US health officials are advising people to stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears over-the-counter eye drops because they have been linked to an outbreak of drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Janice Haney Carr/CDC via AP
- Four deaths and 14 cases of vision loss have been linked to bacterially contaminated eye drops.
- The manufacturer of EzriCare Drops recalled their product in February.
- Cases of infection by the drug-resistant bacterium have been recorded in 18 states.
Two more deaths, as well as half a dozen new cases of vision loss, have been linked to eye drops contaminated with a rare strain of “extremely drug-resistant” bacteria previously undetected in the United States.
According to a Friday update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the total number of deaths related to the May 15 outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is four, with 14 cases of vision loss or eye removal caused by the contaminated eye drops.
The cases are related to EzriCare artificial tears, which have been voluntarily recalled by their manufacturer, India-based Global Pharma Healthcare PVT Limited.
“Patients should discontinue use of EzriCare or Delsam Pharma artificial tears and Delsam Pharma artificial ointment pending further information and guidance from the CDC and FDA,” the CDC warned in a statement.
The latest figures are an increase from two deaths and eight cases of vision loss or eye removal reported in March.
The CDC reported cases in 18 states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.
CDC officials said patients who have used eye drops and are experiencing symptoms of infection “should seek immediate medical attention.” Symptoms include discharge from the eye, pain, discomfort or redness, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.
Representatives from Global Pharma Healthcare PVT Limited and the CDC did not immediately respond to insider requests for comment.
WATCH NOW: Insider Inc.’s Popular Videos
Loading…