An additional death linked to contaminated eye drops was reported by the CDC May 15, bringing the total to four associated deaths and 81 patient cases across 18 U.S. states.
Infections caused by bacteria in the eye drops were determined to be a drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which has led to the loss of vision in 14 patient cases and four others have had to undergo surgical removal of infected eyeballs.
EzriCare brand of artificial tears has been linked to the infection outbreak by the CDC, which led to a voluntary recall of three products manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare Private Limited, based in India.
The CDC and FDA both state that clinicians and patients should avoid using EzriCare or Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears products.