3 deaths, 8 more eye infections reported in 16 states after new COVID-19 outbreak

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3 deaths, 8 more eye infections reported in 16 states after new COVID-19 outbreak

A rare drug-resistant bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which has been found in eyedrops, continues to cause injuries.

Three people have died and eight people have reported vision loss, as well as four reports of surgical removal of an eyeball, according to a Tuesday report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The eyedrops named in the CDC report are artificial tears from EzriCare and Delsam Pharma. The eyedrops have caused infections in at least 68 patients in 16 states, according to the CDC.

The report says patients and healthcare providers should immediately stop using EzriCare or Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears if additional information is provided by the FDA and the CDC.

EzriCare and Delsam distribute eye drops from Global Pharma Healthcare in February after the company issued a recall of artificial tears in February after the product was linked to an outbreak of the drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, including some detected in patients' blood, urine and lungs.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is particularly difficult to treat because it does not respond to antibiotic treatment, according to the CDC.

Below is a picture of the recalled eye drops.

The CDC recalls of eye products from other companies in recent months comes after the recall of several eye products from other companies. They were unrelated to the bacterial contamination.

According to the retail notices, Pharmedica USA LLC has announced the voluntary recall of Purely Soothing drops, and Florida s Apotex Corp. has recalled 0.15% of its Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution.

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