Jack Phillips, Breaking News Reporter
Mar 22 2023

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified two additional deaths in connection to a rare strain of bacteria associated with recalled eye drops, according to a recent update.

In a March 21 update, the federal health agency said that three people so far have died, eight people have lost their vision, and a total of 68 people in 16 states have contracted the antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Some 37 patients have been linked to four healthcare centers, it noted.

“Most patients reported using artificial tears,” the CDC update said. “Patients reported over 10 different brands of artificial tears and some patients used multiple brands. EzriCare Artificial Tears, a preservative-free, over-the-counter product packaged in multidose bottles, was the brand most commonly reported.”

Several weeks ago, Global Pharma Healthcare announced the recall of its Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops that were distributed by EzriCare and Delsam Pharma. Both the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have warned consumers not to use the products.

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