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Federal health officials have confirmed that a room spray was recently recalled by Walmart. It contains rare and dangerous bacteria that infected 4 people, killing two, including a child. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) said it had confirmed the DNA fingerprint of the bacteria in the spray and 4 people stricken with melioidosis were the same. The director of the high-consequence pathogens and pathology division of CDC, Dr. Inger Damon said, “When you think about the thousands of things people come in contact with around their homes, it’s remarkable that we were able to identify the source and confirm it in the lab. CDC scientists and our partners found the proverbial needle in the haystack”. Point to be noted that the announcement came days after Walmart issued its nationwide recall.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission posted a notice and said the retailer sold about 3,900 bottles of Better Homes and Gardens-branded-Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones in six different scents. However, the CDC tested a sample of the product last week and found it contained the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei, which causes melioidosis. It is a rare but serious disease with about a dozen cases reported annually in the US. The CDC also tested an additional bottle of the spray and found positive for the bacteria. Walmart’s recall came 2 months after the CDC warned the bacterial disease had caused 2 deaths and urged doctors to be on the lookout for more cases. Consumers are advised to wear gloves and double bag the bottles in zip-top clear re-sealable bags and return to a Walmart store for a refund.

It is noteworthy that the company is also offering a $20 Walmart gift card for customers who return the product. The CDC emphasized the importance of safely handling the recalled sprays and urged consumers against pouring the contents down drains or throwing the bottles in the trash. The agency said, “The bacteria that cause melioidosis don’t normally live in soil and water in the United States. If the spray bottles end up in landfills, the bacteria could become established and cause future melioidosis cases in the US. CDC is working with Walmart to ensure the returned bottles are disposed of properly and safely”. Any surfaces or fabrics that may have been sprayed with the product would be wiped down or washed. The 5-ounce glass bottles of room spray, made in India, retailed for about $4 each and were sold in about 55 stores and online from February through October.