Contaminated Eye Drops: A Deadly Outbreak in the U.S.

In February 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about contaminated eye drops linked to severe eye infections, vision loss, and even death. The outbreak, which has continued to unfold, involves a drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria found in EzriCare and Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears products, manufactured by India-based Global Pharma Healthcare.

The Outbreak's Impact

As of May 2023, the outbreak has resulted in four deaths and left 14 people with vision loss, with four cases requiring surgical removal of the eyeball14. The infections have been reported in 18 states across the U.S., affecting a total of 81 people16.

Causes and Symptoms

The contaminated eye drops contain a carbapenem-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is highly resistant to antibiotics. Symptoms of infection include yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye, eye pain, redness, a foreign body sensation, and increased sensitivity to light16.

FDA and CDC Response

In response to the outbreak, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have urged consumers to stop using the affected products immediately. Global Pharma Healthcare issued a voluntary recall of the implicated eye drops and ointments in February 202325.

Public Health Concerns

The outbreak highlights concerns about the safety of over-the-counter medications and the need for rigorous quality control measures. It also underscores the potential for drug-resistant bacteria to spread through contaminated products, posing significant public health risks.

Consumer Safety Measures

Consumers are advised to check their medications and discard any recalled products. If symptoms of an eye infection occur, individuals should seek medical attention promptly.

Sources:

1. Mary Kekatos, ABC News - Contaminated eye drops linked to more deaths as 14 people report vision loss

2. UC Davis Health - FDA warns people not to use 2 types of eye drops due to severe eye infections

3. FDA - Global Pharma Healthcare Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Delsam Pharma Artificial Eye Ointment

4. USA Today - Recalled eye drops linked to bacteria tied to four deaths, CDC says

5. FDA - Global Pharma Healthcare Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops

6. NBC News - CDC reports another death linked to recalled eyedrops