81 patients now suffer from a rare strain of bacteria.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated its report regarding bacterial contamination in eye drops, identifying EzriCare artificial tears as the likely culprit behind a rise in eye drop-related health complaints.
In the past month, the CDC has reviewed 81 cases of patients becoming infected with a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, also known as VIM-GES-CRPA, after using the eye drops. This bacteria is unique in its strong resistance to drugs, and has thus far caused 14 cases of blindness, four cases that required eyeball removal to stop the spread, and four cases of death.
The CDC stated, “Three products have been voluntarily recalled by their manufacturer, Global Pharma (Chennai, India), in association with this outbreak: EzriCare Artificial Tears, Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears, and Delsam Pharma Artificial Ointment. No other products have been linked to this outbreak.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For CDC officials as they field data on the contaminated eye drops.
- For healthcare providers as they see affected patients.
- For those whose eye health has been compromised and the families of those who have lost their lives due to the bacteria.
Sources: The Hill, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
