CDC confirms Fusarium keratitis cases

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 73 cases of Fusarium keratitis, dating back to June 2005. Another 113 cases remain under investigation.

Ophthalmologists from the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, and Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, are working with the CDC and the FDA on the investigation.

As of April 27, the following states/territories had confirmed cases or cases under investigation: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, and Vermont.

CDC officials say investigations are under way to pinpoint a source conclusively. There has not been a definitive link confirmed between the infections and Bausch & Lomb's Renu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution or the plant where it is manufactured, but consumers are urged to refrain from using the solution. The company has asked retailers to pull the product temporarily from shelves.

For in-depth coverage of this story, see the May 15 issue of Ophthalmology Times.