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Eye Drops Tainted With Bacteria Now Linked To 4 Deaths, Dozens Of Infections, CDC Says

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says four deaths and dozens of infections have now been linked to eye drops tainted with bacteria.

The CDC is warning about eye drops tainted with bacteria that are now being linked to four deaths.

The CDC is warning about eye drops tainted with bacteria that are now being linked to four deaths.

Photo Credit: Pixabay/Jill Fulton

Patients who have used EzriCare or Delsam Pharma’s artificial tears and Delsam Pharma artificial ointment and who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection should seek medical care immediately, the CDC said. 

A total of 81 patients have been identified in 18 states as of Monday, May 15.

At this time, there is no recommendation for testing of those who have used those products and who are not experiencing any signs or symptoms of infection, the CDC noted.

Adverse outcomes that were associated with clinical (non-surveillance) cultures and reported to public health include 14 patients with vision loss, and an additional four patients with enucleation (surgical removal of eyeball), 

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

The 18 states where cases have been identified are:

  • New York
  • Connecticut
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania
  • Delaware
  • Ohio
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • North Carolina
  • New Mexico
  • Nevada
  • South Dakota
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin

To read the latest CDC advisory, click here.

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