WA Patient's Death May Be Linked To Eye Drops

OLYMPIA, WA — The state Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday issued warnings against using EzriCare Artificial Tears after a cluster of infections in a dozen states, including one Washington patient who died from a blood infection.

According to the DOH, the infections are caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria found in water and soil that can cause antibiotic-resistant infections in the eyes, lungs and blood. Officials said infections are normally seen within hospital settings, especially in patients with weakened immune systems.

Epidemiologists have identified more than 50 related cases in 12 states since May, and the Associated Press reports that investigators believe the infections may be linked to the eye drops that many patients reported using. The infections have led to hospitalizations, vision loss, and at least one death. According to the AP, an unidentified Washington patient died from complications after suffering a blood infection, and five others linked to the outbreak lost their sight.

EzriCare told the AP it was not aware of any evidence definitively linking the outbreak to the product, but would stop distributing the eye drops.

“To the greatest extent possible, we have been contacting customers to advise them against continued use of the product," the company said in a statement. "We also immediately reached out to both CDC and FDA and indicated our willingness to cooperate with any requests they may have of us."

According to the CDC, those who have used the EzriCare product should seek immediate care if they develop any of the following symptoms:

• Yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye
• Eye pain or discomfort
• Redness of the eye or eyelid
• A feeling of something in your eye
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision

The Associated Press contributed to this report.