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Table Of Contents
- Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease Lawsuit Updates
- CDC Reports and Statistics
- Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease Lawsuit?
- Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease Recall Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Get a Free Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease Lawsuit Overview
This lawsuit concerns Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones sold at Walmart that was contaminated with the rare and dangerous bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei.
The product has been linked to an outbreak of at least 4 cases of melioidosis in the U.S., including 2 deaths and a child fatality. The CDC confirmed that the genetic fingerprint of the bacteria in the product matched those identified in the 4 patients.
Latest Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease Lawsuit Updates
- November 02, 2021 – Walmart initiated a recall after the CDC tested Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray and determined that it contained Burkholderia pseudomallei. The recall affected nearly 4,000 bottles of the product sold at 56 store locations across 18 states. Samples taken by the CDC from a bottle of the product in the home of a victim in Georgia confirmed the presence of the bacteria.
CDC Reports and Statistics
The CDC tested Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray and determined that it contained Burkholderia pseudomallei. Cases of melioidosis linked to the contaminated aromatherapy spray were reported in Kansas, Minnesota, Texas, and Georgia.
The CDC confirmed that the genetic fingerprint of the bacteria in the bottle matched those of the bacteria identified in the 4 patients, which allowed them to confirm the spray caused the melioidosis infections. Samples taken by the CDC from a bottle of the product in the home of a victim in Georgia confirmed the presence of the bacteria.
Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease Injuries & Side Effects
Melioidosis, also known as Whitmore’s disease, is a bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei that presents with various symptoms depending on the type of infection.
- 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
Do You Qualify for a Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease lawsuit if:
- You purchased Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones at Walmart
- You were diagnosed with melioidosis (Whitmore’s Disease) after using the product
- You or a loved one experienced symptoms consistent with melioidosis infection
- You have medical documentation of your diagnosis and treatment
Evidence Required for a Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease Lawsuit
- Medical records confirming the diagnosis
- Documentation of the source of exposure (such as proof of purchase of the contaminated product)
- Evidence linking the exposure to the disease
Damages You Can Recover
- Medical expenses for treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages due to illness
- Other related damages
Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease Recall Information
The recall affects nearly 4,000 bottles of the following products, which were contaminated with 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 [1]
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is melioidosis?
Melioidosis, also known as Whitmore’s disease, is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. People can get the disease when they breathe in affected water or dust, drink or eat things that have come into contact with contaminated sources, have skin contact with contaminated dirt or water, or through exposure to contaminated aromatherapy sprays or essential oils.
What are the symptoms of Whitmore’s Disease?
Whitmore’s Disease symptoms vary depending on the type of infection. These can include fever, localized pain or swelling, cough, chest pain, headache, respiratory distress, abdominal discomfort, joint pain, weight loss, and in severe cases, central nervous system/brain infection and seizures.
Can melioidosis be cured?
Yes, Melioidosis can be treated with various medications. Treatment typically starts with intravenous antimicrobial therapy for a minimum of 2 weeks, followed by 3–6 months of oral antimicrobial therapy. The type of infection and course of treatment will affect prognosis.
What should I do if I purchased the recalled aromatherapy spray?
If you purchased the recalled Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray, you should stop use immediately, double-bag the product in Ziploc bags, place it in a small cardboard box, and return it to a Walmart store. Do not throw it away in regular trash. Wash all linens that were sprayed, wipe down surfaces with undiluted Pine-Sol or similar disinfectant, and seek medical attention if you have symptoms.
How many people were affected by the contaminated aromatherapy spray?
The CDC has confirmed at least 4 cases of melioidosis in the U.S. linked to the contaminated spray, including 2 deaths and a child fatality. Cases were reported in Kansas, Minnesota, Texas, and Georgia. It is possible that more people have been sickened but not yet identified as part of this outbreak.
Can I file a lawsuit if I contracted melioidosis due to environmental exposure?
Yes, if you contracted melioidosis due to environmental exposure, such as through contaminated soil or water on a commercial property or due to the negligence of a third party, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
What evidence is needed to support a melioidosis lawsuit?
Evidence needed to support a lawsuit may include medical records confirming the diagnosis, documentation of the source of exposure (such as a contaminated product or environment), expert testimony linking the exposure to the disease, and any records of negligence or failure to warn by the responsible parties.
How can I prove that my melioidosis was caused by a specific source?
Proving the source of melioidosis may involve environmental testing, tracing the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei to a specific location or product, and gathering evidence of your exposure history. Expert witnesses, such as epidemiologists or infectious disease specialists, may also provide testimony to support your case.
Get a Free Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action for Melioidosis & Whitmore’s Disease cases. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with melioidosis after using Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones purchased at Walmart, it’s important to act quickly.
The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
References
1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Walmart-Recalls-Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Essential-Oil-Infused-Aromatherapy-Room-Spray-with-Gemstones-Due-to-Rare-and-Dangerous-Bacteria-Bacteria-Identified-in-this-Outbreak-Linked-to-Two-Deaths