Recalled EzriCare Eye Drops Nightmare: 4 Fatalities, 81 Cases of Contaminated Infections

Recalled eye drops EzriCare contaminated eye drops

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald May 20, 06:51 am

In a chilling turn of events, the use of recalled EzriCare eye drops has been linked to a nightmare scenario, as four fatalities and 81 cases of contaminated infections have emerged.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a grave warning to the public, urging immediate cessation of using EzriCare eye drops due to the severe health risks associated with the product.

EzriCare Eye Drops Cause Alarming Injuries

According to The Hill, as the EzriCare eye drops tragedy unfolds, the number of affected individuals continues to rise. The CDC has reported a staggering 81 cases of contaminated infections linked to the use of these eye drops, up from the previous count of 68 cases in March.

Among the victims, four lives have been tragically lost, leaving families devastated and the medical community on high alert.

While investigating the outbreak, health authorities discovered that many of the affected individuals had one common factor: the use of EzriCare eye drops. Though multiple brands of eyedrops were reportedly used by patients, EzriCare emerged as a significant culprit.

Opened bottles of EzriCare eye drops were found to harbor the same strain of bacteria detected in samples taken from infected patients, indicating a direct link between the contaminated product and the resulting infections.

The EzriCare eye drops at the center of this health crisis were manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare, based in India, and predominantly sold online. The recall was initiated in February, aiming to halt the further distribution and use of the contaminated eye drops.

According to CNN, responding to the escalating outbreak, Global Pharma issued an urgent recall of all three products associated with the manufacturer: EzriCare Artificial Tears, Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears, and Delsam Pharma's Artificial Eye Ointment.

Ongoing Threat on the Use of Contaminated Eye Drops

The FDA has taken charge of a thorough investigation into the contaminated eye drops, working closely with the CDC to uncover the extent of the issue and ensure public safety.

According to NBC News, while the FDA's last official update on the matter was provided on February 22, they continue to actively pursue the investigation and collaborate with relevant authorities to determine the root cause of the contamination.

The infections associated with the recalled EzriCare eye drops primarily manifest in the eyes, causing severe symptoms such as blurry vision, yellow, green, or clear discharge, redness, eye pain or discomfort, increased sensitivity to light, and foreign body sensation.

While most infections remain localized, it is crucial to note that once the bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can have fatal consequences.

According to the CDC, health experts emphasize that the strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria responsible for the infections exhibits high resistance to standard antibiotics, making treatment challenging.

Prior to this outbreak, this specific form of the bacteria had never been reported in the United States, indicating a new and alarming public health threat.

The outbreak has spread across 18 states, which include Colorado, Delaware, Illinois,New Jersey, New York, South Dakota, Utah, and Wisconsin. This widespread distribution highlights the urgent need for heightened vigilance and immediate action to prevent further infections.

Both the CDC and FDA emphasize that individuals must discontinue the use of any recalled products immediately. They urge the public to thoroughly check their homes for any remaining EzriCare or Delsam Pharma eye drop products and discard them appropriately.

Additionally, healthcare providers and clinicians are advised to cease using and prescribing these products pending further guidance from the CDC and FDA.