Blinded by Danger: Recent Deaths Linked to Recalled Eye Drops
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that rare bacterial infections caused by contaminated eyedrops have resulted in the deaths of three people and the removal of the eyeballs of four others. The illnesses were caused by contaminated eyedrops. According to recent reports, the form of bacteria known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is resistant to the majority of medications, has infected 68 patients in 16 different states in the U.S. In addition, there have been eight patients who have experienced a loss of vision in at least one of their eyes, and some of these patients have required corneal transplants.
Before they became ill, the majority of the patients reported using a variety of eyedrops, with EzriCare Artificial Tears being the one that was used the most frequently. As a result of the outbreak, EzriCare Artificial Tears, artificial tears manufactured by Delsam Pharma, and artificial eye ointment also manufactured by Delsam Pharma have all been recalled.
It is essential to keep in mind that the majority of patients became ill prior to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initially alerting the public to the potential threat in a statement that was issued on January 20th. Since it takes some time to determine whether or not patient samples match the strain that has been linked to the outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipates that more cases will become public knowledge.
The bacteria known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa are frequently discovered in environments such as water and soil, as well as on the hands of otherwise healthy humans. Infections, on the other hand, most frequently take place in healthcare facilities and affect patients whose immune systems are compromised. According to reports from the CDC, up to 37 people were connected to outbreaks that occurred at four different healthcare facilities.
The particular form of drug-resistant bacteria that were linked to the outbreak has never been observed in the United States before. Because of this, there is growing concern regarding the proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria, which represents a substantial risk to the general public’s health.
It was discovered that not all of the individuals who had been impacted by the outbreak had eye infections; rather, some of them had infections of the respiratory or urinary tracts. It is important to keep in mind that when the bacteria enter the bloodstream, it is possible for people to pass away.
People who experience symptoms of an eye infection, such as redness of the eye or eyelid, pain or discomfort in the eye, blurry vision, a feeling of something in the eye (foreign body sensation), increased sensitivity to light, or yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye, are encouraged to seek medical attention by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
At Drazin & Warshaw, we understand the devastation that can be caused by incidents such as this. If you or a loved one has been affected by contaminated eyedrops, we encourage you to seek legal advice to understand your rights and options. Our experienced defective product attorneys are here to help you navigate this difficult time and pursue justice.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Near You to Discuss Your Defective Product Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one get an infection after the continued use of contaminated eyedrops in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin & Warshaw represent clients injured because of defective products in South Plainfield, Edison, Red Bank, Westfield, and throughout Middlesex County, Ocean County, Union County, and Monmouth County, New Jersey. Call (732) 576-8860 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3315 Route 35, Hazlet, NJ 07730 as well as offices in Red Bank, Brick, and Westfield.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
