Rare (and Deadly) Bacteria Found in Aromatherapy Product

On Friday, October 22, 2021, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shed some light on the four mysterious cases of bacterial infections (Melioidosis) found in four different states in US. The CDC has confirmed that an aromatherapy gemstone spray known as “Better Homes & Gardens Lavender & Chamomile Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones” sold at Walmart is to blame.

So, What is Melioidosis?

Melioidosis, also called Whitmore’s disease, is a life-threatening and difficult-to-diagnose infection caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei when consumed or inhaled or exposed to a skin wound. It is predominately a disease of tropical climates, especially in Southeast Asia and northern Australia where it is widespread.

The bacteria causing melioidosis are found in contaminated water and soil and can spread to humans and animals through direct contact with the contaminated source but rarely spreads from person to person. Melioidosis causes a wide range of symptoms that can be confused with other common illnesses, like flu or a cold. It can also result in pulmonary, bloodstream or localized infections characterized by chest pain, high fever, ulcerations, anorexia and other symptoms as listed by CDC.

There are often a handful of melioidosis cases in the US each year, but they’re usually linked to recent travel to areas where the bacteria are naturally found. The four puzzling cases this year—in Kansas, Minnesota, Texas, and Georgia—had no links to travel. But CDC investigators quickly realized that the cases were connected somehow. The infections left two dead, including a child.

So, How did CDC find the needle in a haystack?

According to CDC, they have been testing blood samples from the patients, as well as soil, water, and consumer products from in and around the four patients’ homes since the agency began receiving samples in May. A bottle of aromatherapy room spray containing gemstones in the home of a Georgia patient who died was found to be contaminated with the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei.

The genetic fingerprint of the bacteria that sickened the four patients is similar to that of strains usually found in South Asia; the aromatherapy spray was made in India. CDC has confirmed that the DNA fingerprint of the bacteria in the spray and in all the patients was the same. This allows CDC to confirm the spray or one of its ingredients caused the four melioidosis infections. 

“Our hearts go out to the families that have been impacted by this situation,” said Inger Damon, MD, MPH, director of CDC’s Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, which manages melioidosis. “We at CDC have been very concerned to see these serious related illness spread across time and geography. That is why our scientists have continued to work tirelessly to try to find the potential source for the melioidosis infections in these patients. We hope this work can help protect other people who may have used this spray.”

“When you think about the thousands of things people come in contact with around their homes, it’s remarkable we were able to identify the source and confirm it in the lab,” said Inger Damon, MD, PhD, director of CDC’s Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology. “CDC scientists and our partners found the proverbial needle in the haystack.”  

What You Need to Know?

The contaminated spray was sold at about 55 Walmart stores and on Walmart’s website between February and October 21, 2021, when Walmart pulled remaining bottles of this spray and related products from store shelves and its website. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Walmart are issuing a recall for the lavender and chamomile room spray and five other scents in the same product line. Investigation continues into whether other related scents and brands may pose a risk.

The following product numbers and aromas have been recalled:

• 84140411420 Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Lavender & Chamomile
• 84140411421 Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Lemon and Mandarin
• 84140411422 Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Lavender
• 84140411423 Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Peppermint
• 84140411424 Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Lime & Eucalyptus
• 84140411425 Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Sandalwood and Vanilla

CDC recommends that anyone who has this aromatherapy spray in their home:

1. Stop using this product immediately. Do not open the bottle. Do not throw away or dispose of the bottle in the regular trash.

2. Double bag the bottle in clean, clear zip-top bags and place in a small cardboard box. Return the bagged and boxed product to a Walmart store.

3. Wash sheets or linens that the product may have been sprayed on using normal laundry detergent and dry completely in a hot dryer; bleach can be used if desired.

4. Wipe down counters and surfaces that might have the spray on them with undiluted Pine-Sol or similar disinfectant.

5. Limit how much you handle the spray bottle and wash hands thoroughly after touching the bottle or linens. If you used gloves, wash hands afterward.

6. If you have used the product within the past 21 days and have fever or other melioidosis symptoms, seek medical care and tell your doctor you were exposed to the spray. If you do not have symptoms but were exposed to the product in the last 7 days, your doctor may recommend that you get antibiotics (post-exposure prophylaxis) to prevent infection.

References:

1. Consumer Product Safety Commission – Walmart Recall [Link]
2. CDC Melioidosis symptoms [Link]
3. CDC Press Release [Link1, Link2]

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