Fatal U.S. Cases Of Tropical Disease Linked To Aromatherapy Sold At Walmart, CDC Says

by · Forbes

Topline

After investigating four U.S. cases of melioidosis, an infectious disease that is rarely seen in America, including two deaths, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday it believes the source of the infections was a contaminated aromatherapy spray carried at Walmart, leading the retailer to recall the spray.

A Walmart product was the subject of a major recall Friday. (Photo by Kena Betancur/VIEWpress via ... [+] Getty Images)Corbis via Getty Images

Key Facts

Upon investigating the four melioidosis cases, which were in four different states, the CDC discovered a bacteria known to cause the disease in an aromatherapy room spray in a Georgia patient’s home.

The strain of bacteria is most commonly found in South Asia, the CDC says, and the Associated Press reports that the spray came from India.

Walmart’s website and 55 stores carried the spray, which is called Better Homes & Gardens Lavender & Chamomile Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones.

Melioidosis is contracted by ingestion or inhalation of contaminated soil, dust and water droplets and symptoms can vary widely, though fevers, headaches and respiratory issues are common.

There are about 165,000 melioidosis cases annually worldwide, but only about a dozen per year in the U.S; treatment typically includes 2-8 weeks of intravenous therapy and 3-6 months of oral antimicrobial therapy.

Big Number

3,900. That’s how many bottles of aromatherapy spray, which retailed at about $4, were recalled by Walmart on Friday.

What To Watch For

The CDC recommended that owners of the product stop using it immediately, dispose of the spray according to Walmart’s recall directions, wash all surfaces that came into contact with it and monitor potential symptoms of melioidosis, including fever.

Further Reading