U.S. Reports Another Death and More Cases of Vision Loss Linked to Tainted Eyedrops

Key Highlights :

1. There have been 81 cases of vision loss from illnesses linked to eyedrops tainted with a drug-resistant bacteria.

2. The bacteria has infected 81 people, including four who died and 14 who lost vision.

3. The outbreak is considered particularly worrisome because the bacteria driving it - Pseudomonas aeruginosa - is resistant to standard antibiotics.

4. Investigators say most of the patients had used certain brands of eyedrops, and products from EzriCare and Delsam Pharma were recalled in February.

5. After the recall, U.S. health inspectors visited the plant in India that made the eyedrops and uncovered problems with how the drops were made and tested, including inadequate sterility measures.

     The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported a new death and several more cases of vision loss from illnesses linked to eyedrops tainted with a drug-resistant bacteria. As of Friday, the outbreak has infected 81 people, including four who died and 14 who lost vision. This is an increase from the three deaths and eight cases of vision loss reported in March.

     The bacteria causing the outbreak is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is resistant to standard antibiotics. Investigators believe the infections are linked to certain brands of eyedrops, leading to the recall of EzriCare and Delsam Pharma products in February. Unfortunately, at least seven patients were diagnosed after the recall.

     When U.S. health inspectors visited the plant in India that made the eyedrops, they uncovered problems with how the drops were made and tested, including inadequate sterility measures. Cases have been reported from 18 states including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.

     The CDC is now warning people to be aware of the dangers of using contaminated eyedrops. It is important to check the labels of any eyedrops you purchase and to only use products from reputable manufacturers. Additionally, if you experience any vision changes, pain, redness, or discharge from your eyes, contact your doctor immediately as these are signs of infection.

     This outbreak is a reminder of how important it is to be aware of the potential risks associated with any medical product. It is essential to always check the labels and to only use products from trusted manufacturers. If you experience any symptoms of infection, it is important to contact your doctor immediately.

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