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Outbreak Linked to Recalled Eyedrops Leaves Several Blind, Dead

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A rare bacteria found in contaminated eyedrops has left 8 blind, 4 requiring eyeball removal, and 3 dead, according to the CDC.

An antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in recalled eyedrops is causing serious complications, and even death, among users.

As Parade previously reported on Feb. 2, the CDC urged the public to "immediately discontinue" the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears following 55 cases of the "extensively drug-resistant" Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria reported across 12 states.

At the time, patients had a variety of presentations, including inflammation, respiratory infection, urinary tract infection, and sepsis, with outcomes varying from permanent vision loss and hospitalization to even death.

Related: CDC Warns Against Use of Certain Eye Drops Linked to Bacteria Outbreak

Now, per updated findings, 68 individuals in 16 states who used the contaminated eyedrops were infected with the rare bacteria, which has thus far left 8 blind, 4 requiring surgical eyeball removal, and 3 dead.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause infections in the blood, lungs (pneumonia), and other parts of the body after surgery, according to the CDC's explanation of possible complications.

Symptoms include yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye, eye pain or discomfort, and redness of the eye or eyelid. Individuals who present any of the above should seek medical care immediately.

"Testing of unopened bottles of EzriCare Artificial Tears is ongoing to assist in evaluating for whether contamination may have occurred during manufacturing," the organization shared in the March 21 update. "Patients and healthcare providers should immediately stop the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears pending additional information and guidance from CDC and FDA."

While contamination cases have been said to be "rare," the CDC reports that the bacteria previously caused an estimated 32,600 infections among hospitalized patients and 2,700 estimated deaths in 2017, so the recall notice should not be taken lightly.

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