A CVS-brand nasal spray is being voluntarily recalled due to potential microbiological contamination, the Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday.
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The recall involves the nasal decongestant product CVS Health 12 Hour Sinus Relief nasal Misty .5 oz bottles of Lot #173089.
The product’s Florida-based manufacturing company Product Quest Manufacturing identified contamination of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
“Product Quest is notifying its customers by oral and written communication and is arranging for return/replacement etc. of all recalled products,” according to the FDA statement. “Consumers/distributors/retailers that have product which is being recalled should stop using the product and return it to the place of purchase or discard the product.”
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While an infection from the bacterium may be fatal, severity largely depends on where in the body the infection spreads. If the bacteria gets into the lungs, the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns victims can develop pneumonia.
Other illnesses due to Pseudomonas bacteria contamination include ear, skin, eye and blood infections.
Patients in the hospital and individuals with weakened immune systems are most at risk, though healthy people can also develop mild illnesses, especially after exposure to water.
Treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa typically involves antibiotics.
