According to a recent update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is a current outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa occurring across the United States. This outbreak is a result of contaminated eye drops, which go by the name of EzriCare Artificial Tears. Therefore, if you own or use these eye drops, you should throw them away immediately.
What is Pseudomonas aeruginosa?
What is Pseudomonas aeruginosa?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of bacteria that is usually found in water and soil. However, it is being spread to humans through infected surfaces and products. While some people who are healthy never have symptoms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, other people have been known to experience life-threatening illnesses and even die. Your chances of suffering severe or deadly side effects from this infection go up if you have:
- Recently had surgery
- Been treated for burns recently
- Been diagnosed with diabetes
- Been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis
- Are on a breathing machine
- Use a catheter or different medical devices
- Been diagnosed with HIV
- Been diagnosed with cancer
- Taken antibiotics or medications for illnesses
- A weak immune system
How to know if you have a Pseudomonas aeruginosa eye infection
Since Pseudomonas aeruginosa prefers wet environments, it is known to thrive and attack the eyes for long periods of time. Therefore, if you have used EzriCare eye drops recently or in the past, you may be curious to know what symptoms you should look for that indicate you have a Pseudomonas aeruginosa eye infection. Here are a few of the most common symptoms:
- Foreign sensation in the eye
- Eye pain
- Eye discomfort
- Red eyes
- Red or swollen eyelids
- Sensitivity to lights
- Blurry vision
- Loss of vision
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important that you notify your doctor as quickly as possible. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and decide if they think that you may have a Pseudomonas aeruginosa eye infection. If they believe that you do, they will test your blood or other bodily fluids to determine if their diagnosis is correct. Afterwards, they can look at the tests to find out which types of antibiotics may be able to cure the strain of bacteria that is infecting your eyes.
How will my doctor get rid of my Pseudomonas aeruginosa eye infection?
If your Pseudomonas aeruginosa eye infection presents mild symptoms and is caught early, your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics. This could be in the form of eye drops, ointment, eye cream, or oral tablets.
However, if you have a severe Pseudomonas aeruginosa eye infection, you may need antibiotics administered through an IV or even surgery. This bacterium is ever-changing, meaning that it can be extremely difficult to find the type of antibiotic that can work for you. That said, if you have a severe infection that has been going on for a long time, the doctor may need to surgically remove part of the tissue in your eye or your entire eyeball.
What about the people who took EzriCare eye drops and were infected?
In mid-March, there were over 60 individuals in various states that were infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa after using EzriCare eye drops. Unfortunately, this number is continuing to rise. Three people died, four people had their eyeballs removed, eight people suffered vision loss, 11 people had severe eye infections, and several others had urinary tract infections. The following are the 16 states with reported cases so far:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Illinois
- North Carolina
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Nevada
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wisconsin
While these are the states that people have currently reported eye infections from, you can be infected and live in a state not mentioned in this list.
Contact Kwartler Manus LLC to find out if you have a lawsuit today
Kwartler Manus LLC is investigating and helping clients who suffer injuries or illnesses from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. If you or someone you love was diagnosed with this type of infection, please do not hesitate to contact our personal injury attorneys immediately. We happily offer free case evaluations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for your convenience.