The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a deadly outbreak of an 'extensively drug-resistant strain' of bacteria has been linked to several brand of eyedrop, the agency said earlier this week.
has been reported in 68 patients who used various artificial tear and eyedrop products in at least 16 states, including Illinois. The bacteria, which the CDC describes as"extensively drug-resistant," is associated with multiple types of infections, including eye infections.
According to health officials, all 68 patients reported using a variety of eyedrops before noticing symptoms, forcing a recall of three brands: EzriCare Artificial Tears, Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears and Delsam's Artificial Eye Ointment. recommend clinicians and patients stop using EzriCare or Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears products pending additional guidance from CDC and FDA," the CDC's alert continued.Sign up for NBC Chicago newsletters.
EzriCare Artificial Tears, over-the-counter product packaged in multidose bottles, was the brand most commonly reported, the agency said. According to the CDC, the outbreak has been identified in 68 patients across 16 states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexica, New York, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. At least three people have died, four needed to have their eyeballs removed and eight others suffered vision loss.indicated that not all of the patients had eye infections.