By: Candess Zona Mendola of MakeFoodSafe.com

The CDC announced a cluster of eye infections potentially linked to an over-the-counter eyedrops product under the brand EzriCare.

Image/CDC

As of January 20, 50 people across 11 states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Washington) had tested positive for the bacterium, called Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

During traceback investigations, most patients with positive samples told the CDC that they had used eye drops prior to testing, and the most commonly mentioned brand was EzriCare Artificial Tears.

The CDC recommends that consumers should immediately stop using eye drops. The recommendation is a precaution after permanent vision loss resulting from an eye infection was reported and one person died from a bloodstream infection.

Further investigation and testing is ongoing.

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