WA resident infected after using eye drops, CDC urges caution

Health officials are urging people to stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears after a nationwide outbreak of infections, including potentially a Washington resident who used over-the-counter eye drops.

Health officials have identified 50 infections nationwide. A type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the cause, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Health.

The identified cases, reported in 11 states since May 2022, have caused vision loss, hospitalizations and one death due to a blood infection.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacteria commonly found in water and soil and can infect the eyes, lungs and blood. These kinds of infections are commonly seen in hospital settings among patients with weakened immune systems.

The public is urged to stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears until further notice, and to contact their medical provider if they have concerns. Symptoms of an eye infection include pain, swelling, discharge, redness, blurry vision, sensitivity to light and the feeling of a foreign object in the eye.

This story has been updated to reflect that health officials had not confirmed a Washington resident was infected by EzriCare Artificial Tears.