November 14, 2016 — Nearly 150 people in five states developed bacterial infections from I.V. saline flush syringes that were recalled by a medical supply company based in Texas.
Flush syringes contain a pre-filled amount of saline. They are injected into a patient before an intravenous (I.V.) drip is connected to clear out the line and afterward to make sure all of the medicine was delivered.
The New Jersey Department of Health reported infections at 19 unidentified nursing homes since the beginning of the year: Atlantic (10), Bergen (15), Burlington (1), Essex (2), Gloucester (4), Mercer (4), Middlesex (9), Ocean (3), Passaic (1), Union (3).
Nationwide, a total of 149 infections have been reported at 58 medical facilities in New Jersey (52), Pennsylvania (26), Delaware (4), Maryland (12), and New York (55). Six patients died, but they also had underlying illnesses.
In October 2016, Nurse Assist recalled all I.V. Flush Syringes because they may be contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia, also known as “B. cepacia complex.”
B. cepacia is antibiotic-resistant and can cause life-threatening bloodstream infections, especially in people with vulnerable immune systems. Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Chills or shivering
- Sweaty or clammy skin
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath
- Fast heart-rate
Do I have a Syringe Infection Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting I.V. flush syringe induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know had a bacterial infection with B. cepacia, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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