The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a nationwide recall for multiple cold remedy nasal swabs due to potential fungal contamination that can cause deadly infections. The recalled products include Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs, and Orajel Baby Teething Swabs.
The FDA warned that the cotton swab parts of these products may be contaminated with fungi, which can cause serious blood infections in patients. Children and adults with compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing fatal infections.
The recalled products have lot numbers 732216301205 and 732216301656 for Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, and 310310400002 for Orajel Baby Teething Swabs. Consumers are advised to discard these products immediately and contact the manufacturer for a full refund.
While no reports of illness or death have been reported by the FDA, the agency emphasized that the risk is real. The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the US and Puerto Rico.
It’s worth noting that the FDA assured consumers that other Zicam and Orajel products are safe to use to cure colds. However, using the contaminated swabs can introduce fungi into the bloodstream, leading to severe inflammation, sepsis, and potentially life-threatening complications.
Symptoms of a fungal-caused blood infection include fever, chills, lethargy, and pain. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications. The most common fungus known to cause bloodstream infections in the US is Candida.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14797935/Zicam-cold-relief-recalled-fungi-blood-infections.html