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A rare bacteria has been discovered in a specific Walmart brand product.
The bacteria has reportedly played a role in the death of two people.
About 3,900 bottles of six scents of the company’s Better Homes & Gardens Gem Room Spray are being recalled.
The bacteria is known as Burkholderia pseudomallei.
The product was manufactured in India, which is consistent with the bacteria’s South Asian origins.
It’s currently under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A news released explained, “CDC has been testing blood samples from the patients, as well as soil, water, and consumer products from in and around the four patients’ homes since the agency began receiving samples in May.
“A sample of the Better Homes & Gardens spray tested positive this week,” it continued.
“The genetic fingerprint of the bacteria that sickened the four patients is similar to that of strains usually found in South Asia; the aromatherapy spray was made in India.”
“CDC is coordinating with state health departments in Kansas, Minnesota, and Texas to try to determine whether the other three patients may have also used this or similar products.”
More from Western Journal:
Burkholderia pseudomallei causes melioidosis, which typically shows up in humans as a lung or bloodstream infection, according to Healthline.
Four cases of the disease are being investigated for ties to the essential oil sprays, including the aforementioned two deaths.
For consumers who do own the product, there is a series of steps they are advised to take to safely remove the spray and its traces, according to the CDC.
Consumers are urged not to throw away the product, as the hazardous bacteria would still be a threat.
Instead, they should double-bag the product with two clear resealable bags, place the bagged spray into a cardboard box and return it to a Walmart location.
When handling the product, it is strongly recommended that gloves be worn to avoid contamination.
