Thursday, July 7, 2011

Second Death May be Linked to Recalled Alcohol Wipes

The death of a 66-year-old man who developed a blood infection with the bacterium Bacillus cereus is being investigated to determine if it is related to contaminated alcohol wipes from Hartland-based Triad Group and H&P Industries Inc.

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration has received reports of six other deaths and 11 nonfatal infections potentially associated with alcohol wipes, iodine prep pads and lubricating jelly made by the company.  The agency also received about 250 reports of other problems such as nausea, vomiting and redness and swelling at injection sites.

According to reports, FDA officials were aware of issues related to cleanliness, quality control and processes at H&P's plants for at least a decade but did not take enforcement action.  In November, a Colorado hospital discovered that Triad wipes were contaminated with the bacteria, but there is no national alert system for such infections so hospitals nationwide were not informed.

It took six weeks to recall the wipes.  During that time last year, a 2-year-old boy in Houston died as a result of the same organism.

In March, the FDA asked Triad Group to stop producing and distributing its products, including alcohol prep wipes, povidone iodine prep wipes and lubricating jelly all of which are suspected of bacterial contamination and have been recalled.

Messa & Associates has handled dozens of cases involving drugs and medical devices.  Our attorneys have successfully pursued litigation and obtained verdicts and settlements for victims of suffering from these injuries.  If you or a loved one has contracted a skin infection or other injury as a result of a Triad Group product, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw.

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