Deadly outbreaks of Pseudomonas bacterial infections are spreading across the U.S., and recalls have been issued for eye drops, cleaning products, medical gels, and other products.
Need a Texas Pseudomonas Infection Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you were diagnosed with a drug-resistant Pseudomonas infection, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Deadly Outbreak of Pseudomonas Linked to Eye Drops
As of May 15, 2023, at least 81 people in 18 states (including Texas) who used EzriCare Eye Drops and Delsam Pharma Eye Drops/Ointment were infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including 4 people who died when the infection spread to their bloodstream.
At least 14 people who suffered vision loss, as well as 4 people who needed to have their infected eyeball surgically removed. The outbreak was linked to EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears, according to the CDC outbreak investigation.
Examples of Products Recalled for Pseudomonas
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner
- Delsam Pharma Eye Drops / Eye Ointment
- EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricating Eye Drops
- Pine-Sol
- Art of Green Laundry Detergent
- The Laundress Detergent & Household Cleaning Products
- MaryRuth’s Liquid Probiotic for Infants
- Other-Sonic Ultrasound Gel
- And more
What is Pseudomonas?
Pseudomonas is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in soil and water. There are many strains of Pseudomonas, but the one that most often causes infections in people is called Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Antibiotic-Resistant Infections With Pseudomonas
Pseudomonas can cause very serious antibiotic-resistant infections in people, including infections in the blood, lungs (pneumonia), or other parts of the body after surgery. The infections can be very hard to treat because some strains are extensively drug-resistant, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Pseudomonas fluorescens.
What is the Risk?
Pseudomonas usually poses little risk to healthy adults, but the infection can be opportunistic. Serious infections typically occur in people who are hospitalized with cancer, recovering from surgery, or those with burn injuries, cystic fibrosis, lung diseases, or external medical devices like ventilators or catheters.
In 2017, multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa caused an estimated 32,600 infections among hospitalized patients and 2,700 estimated deaths in the U.S., according to the 2019 AR Threats Report.
How Does a Person Get Pseudomonas?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa lives in the environment and it can be found in soil and water. It is also commonly found in healthcare settings, especially in the water system (sinks, drains, faucets, etc.). It can spread from person-to-person on hands, equipment, or surfaces.
How Serious is a Pseudomonas Infection?
Infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa do not always cause symptoms. Some people are colonized with the bacteria without suffering any health problems at all — but other people develop a serious, life-threatening infection that fails to respond to antibiotics.
Signs & Symptoms of Pseudomonas Infection
Pseudomonas aeruginosa can infect many different parts of the body, so the symptoms can vary widely. The general symptoms of an infection include fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, and body chills.
Here are some examples of symptoms that may appear:
- Lungs: Pneumonia, difficulty breathing, cough
- Urinary tract infection: Painful urination
- Wound or surgical site: Inflamed wound and fluid leakage
- Ears: Ear pain, decreased hearing, redness
- Skin: Rash, sometimes pimples with pus
- Bloodstream: Fever, body chills, joint pain and stiffness
- And more
Types of Pseudomonas Infections in People
Most types of Pseudomonas known to cause disease in humans are associated with opportunistic infections. These include:
- P. aeruginosa
- P. fluorescens
- P. putida
- P. cepacia
- P. stutzeri
- P. maltophilia
- P. putrefaciens
- P. mallei (causes the disease “glanders”)
- P. pseudomallei (causes the disease “melioidosis”)
Source: Medical Microbiology (4th Edition): Pseudomonas
Need a Pseudomonas Infection Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years of experience, participation in over 600 jury trials, and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.