Bacterial outbreak gets worse TCI residents reminded not to use product

Dana Malcolm

Staff writer

#TurksandCaicos, March 17, 2023 – Four eyes have now had to be surgically removed and the number of people who suffered permanent vision loss is up to eight according to the latest update regarding the bacterial outbreak linked to artificial tears from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) .

The February recall of artificial tears distributed by EzriCare and Delsam Pharma which is in effect for the Turks and Caicos as well, was prompted by the presence of an “extensively, drug-resistant strain” of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the eyedrops.

The situation has only gotten worse since then.  A March 14 updates from the CDC indicated that 68 patients across the US are now on record suffering from the bacterial infection. The death count remains at one.

TCI health authorities have indicated that residents who have the product present in their homes should call the Environmental Health Department for instructions regarding disposal.  Healthcare providers who have the products in stock should immediately stop giving it to residence and quarantine the product for pick up from the Environmental Health Department. 

The CDC says infection symptoms may include:

Yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye

Eye pain or discomfort

Redness of the eye or eyelid

Feeling of something in your eye (foreign body sensation)

Increased sensitivity to light

Blurry vision

If you are having any adverse reactions contact your doctor and report any side effects here.