CDC: Eyedrops sold at Walmart, other stores linked to infections
The CDC warned that EzriCare Artificial Tears eyedrops may be linked to a drug-resistant bacterial infection that has caused permanent vision loss and one death.
One person has died and at least three other people have permanent vision loss because of a bacterial infection possibly linked to a brand of over-the-counter eyedrops, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which urged consumers Wednesday to stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears while it investigates the outbreak.
On Thursday, the maker of the eyedrops recalled them because of possible contamination.
A majority of those affected reported using preservative-free EzriCare Artificial Tears before they became ill, said Maroya Spalding Walters, head of the CDC's antimicrobial resistance team.
So far, the CDC has identified at least 55 people in 12 states with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a type of bacterium resistant to most antibiotics. Cases have been reported in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.
Three-quarters of the patients said they'd used artificial tears before they developed infections. Of those who were able to recall brand names, 85% said they'd used preservative-free EzriCare Artificial Tears, Walters said. The CDC first alerted the public to the potential danger in a statement dated Jan. 20.
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