Why Is There A Massive Eye Drop Recall in South Dakota?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is always keeping people up to date on the latest recalls or illnesses. This latest recall from the CDC is for anyone who frequently uses eye drops. Specifically, artificial tear drop products.

In January of 2023, the CDC alerted the public about the harmful effects of EzriCare Artificial Tears. Anyone who is using EzriCare Artificial Tears might experience eye infection symptoms such as blurry vision, eye pain or discomfort, or increased sensitivity to light. Now, the CDC is reissuing a warning to the public that this "simple eye infection" can lead to permanent blindness or even death.

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Multiple news outlets including TODAY, CNN, and Good Housing are reporting the recall of the Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops distributed by EzriCare and Delsam Pharma. CNN explains, "A rare strain of bacteria found in recalled eyedrops has been linked to dozens of infections, as well as cases of vision loss, surgical removal of eyeballs and one death." This bacteria found in the eye drops is known as a rare strain of drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Normally, this bacteria is found in water, soil, or...human waste.

CDC officials explain the brand EzriCare Artificial Tears is the most common product being reported. At the time of this post, 16 states across the country have now been affected by this outbreak. Unfortunately, this does include the state of South Dakota.

TODAY is reporting that "the CDC and Federal Drug Administration recommended for people to stop using EzriCare and Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears after identifying 68 patients." These patients experienced symptoms between May of 2022 and February of 2023. More details can be found here.

If you or someone you know has used EzriCare or Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own.

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Here are some of the best and why you should go there.

10 South Dakota Myths Even Some Natives Believe

Have you ever notice how much outsiders (and some insiders) get wrong about South Dakota? They believe and repeat some of these ridiculous South Dakota stereotypes.

SO, to do our part in educating folks, here's a list of some of the most ridiculous myths outsiders always believe South Dakota.