Melioidosis (Whitmore’s Disease) Lawsuit | Get the Right Lawyer

Walmart Aromatherapy Spray Recalled Over Bacterial Contamination

This recall [1] affects nearly 4,000 bottles of the following products, which may be contaminated with the rare and dangerous bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei:

• 84140411420 Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones Lavender & Chamomile
• 84140411421 Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones Lemon and Mandarin
• 84140411422 Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones Lavender
• 84140411423 Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones Peppermint
• 84140411424 Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones Lime & Eucalyptus
• 84140411425 Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones Sandalwood and Vanilla

Recalled Essential Oils Linked to 2 Deaths: CDC

Walmart initiated the recall after the CDC tested Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray and determined that it contained Burkholderia pseudomallei, which has been linked to an outbreak of at least 4 cases of melioidosis in the U.S., including 2 deaths and a child fatality. Cases were reported in Kansas, Minnesota, Texas and Georgia.

Samples taken by the CDC from a bottle of the product in the home of a victim in Georgia confirmed the presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei.

Additional testing indicated that the genetic fingerprint of the bacteria in the bottle matched those of the bacteria identified in the 4 patients, which allowed the CDC to confirm the spray caused the melioidosis infections. It is possible that there are more people that have been sickened, but not yet identified as part of this outbreak.

Walmart Recalls Aromatherapy Spray Contaminated With Deadly Bacteria: CBS News Video

What is Melioidosis?

Melioidosis, also known as Whitmore’s disease, is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. These bacteria can contaminate water or soil. People can get the disease when they:

• Breathe in affected water or dust
• Drink or eat things that have come into contact with these sources
• Have skin contact with contaminated dirt or water
• Exposure to aromatherapy sprays or essential oils

Whitmore's Disease Symptoms

Whitmore's Disease has a variety of different signs and symptoms, which are often mistaken for other diseases, such as tuberculosis or pneumonia. There are several types of Whitmore's Disease, each with their own characteristic set of symptoms.

Localized Infection:

• Localized pain or swelling
• Fever
• Ulceration
• Abscess

Pulmonary Infection:

• Cough
• Chest pain
• High fever
• Headache
• Anorexia

Bloodstream Infection:

• Fever
• Headache
• Respiratory distress
• Abdominal discomfort
• Joint pain
• Disorientation

Disseminated Infection:

• Fever
• Weight loss
• Stomach or chest pain
• Muscle or joint pain
• Headache
• Central nervous system/brain infection
• Seizures

Can Melioidosis be Cured?

In patients diagnosed with a melioidosis infection, the disease can be treated with various medications. The type of infection and course of treatment will affect prognosis. Treatment typically starts with intravenous antimicrobial therapy for a minimum of 2 weeks, followed by 3–6 months of oral antimicrobial therapy.

Where was the Recalled Aromatherapy Spray Sold?

The 56 store locations where the recalled Walmart aromatherapy spray were sold are in 18 states:

• Alabama – Cullman, Florence, Oxford, and Tuscaloosa
• Colorado – Grand Junction
• Florida -Ocoee, Orlando, Sanford, and Valrico
• Georgia – Calhoun
• Iowa –  Ames, Ankeny, Mason City, Waterloo
• Illinois –  Galesburg, Pekin, Quincy,
• Indiana – Burkhardt Rd.,  Evansville and S. Red Bank Road, Evansville
• Kansas – Hays, Hutchinson, Olathe, and Wichita
• Michigan – Mount Pleasant
• Missouri – Bridgeton, Hannibal, and St. Charles
• New Mexico –  Albuquerque, Clovis, and Farmington
• Ohio –  Bellefontaine, Sidney and Xenia
• Oklahoma – Choctaw, Duncan, Oklahoma City, Ponca City, Sand Springs, and Tulsa
• South Carolina – Sumter
• Tennessee – Kimball
• Texas – Amarillo, Grand Prairie, Irving, Lake Worth, Lubbock (2 locations), North Richland, Sherman, Wichita Falls
• Utah – Cedar City, Washington
• Wisconsin –  Baraboo, Beaver Dam, Richland Center, and Superior

CDC Recommendation

If you purchased Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray that is affected by this recall, the CDC recommends that you follow these steps:

• Stop use immediately.
• Limit your contact with the bottle as you double-bag the product in Ziploc bags and place it in a small cardboard box and return it to a Walmart store. Do not throw it away in the regular trash.
• Wash all sheets and linens that were sprayed with the product. Wash your hands after handling them. Dry these items completely in a hot dryer.
• Use undiluted Pine-Sol or a similar disinfectant to wipe down all counters and surfaces that might have the spray on them. Wash your hands after this process.
• If you have used the product in the last three weeks and have a fever or other symptoms see a doctor right away.

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The Product Liability Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new confirmed cases in all 50 states.

Free Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease Lawsuit Evaluation: Again, If you or a loved one was diagnosed with melioidosis (Whitmore’s Disease) after using Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones purchased at Walmart, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease Lawsuit and our law firm can help.