Recalled Air Freshener Spray Causes Melioidosis
The Bottom Line
Melioidosis is a serious infection caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. Humans can be exposed to the bacteria through contact with contaminated water or soil in tropical countries. In 2021, an outbreak of melioidosis occurred in the US due to contaminated aromatherapy spray.
What is melioidosis?
Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei, which can occur in humans and animals. Melioidosis is a significant infectious concern in Australia and Southeast Asia; in northern Thailand, melioidosis is a leading cause of death from infectious disease. This condition has also been diagnosed in the US in people who have traveled to endemic areas and had contact with contaminated soil or water.
In humans, melioidosis occurs after people swallow or inhale contaminated water, and the bacteria can also pass through open wounds or cuts on the skin.
Signs and symptoms of infection generally occur within 3 weeks of exposure to the bacteria and can include pneumonia, skin infections, and sepsis. Melioidosis can occur in adults as well as children and can be transmitted through breast milk from the lactating parent to their infant. Although melioidosis can occur in healthy people, most people infected with the disease have underlying medical conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, and alcoholism. Since melioidosis is not frequently encountered in the US, it can be a challenging condition to diagnose. Fortunately, melioidosis can be treated with antibiotics, although delays in diagnosis are common and can result in a poorer outcome.
What led to the recall of some air freshener products?
In 2021, 4 cases of melioidosis were diagnosed in the US. The affected patients included both children and adults. The patients had no history of recent international travel, and testing showed that the patients were all infected by a similar type of Burkholderia pseudomallei. Three of the 4 patients had underlying medical conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cirrhosis, and COVID-19 infection. Two of the patients died. A CDC investigation found Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria in a bottle of air freshener spray in one patient's homes. Further investigation found that the same spray product likely caused the illness in the other 3 patients.
The air freshener spray was labeled “Better Homes & Gardens Lavender & Chamomile Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones.” This spray was manufactured in India, imported into the US, and sold by Walmart in stores and online. On October 22, 2021, a recall was issued for the suspected Better Homes & Gardens air freshener spray products. People who purchased the air freshener spray were advised to stop using it and thoroughly wash all linens or surfaces that the product might have been sprayed onto. Despite this recall, it is likely that some of the product is still in people’s homes.
For questions about toxic exposures to air fresheners, get help online with webPOISONCONTROL or call 1-800-222-1222. Both options are free for the public, and available 24 hours a day.
Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD
Medical Toxicologist
Revised William G. Troutman, PharmD
Professor of Pharmacy Emeritus
Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- If you purchased Better Homes & Gardens Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones, including the scents Lavender & Chamomile, Lemon & Mandarin, Lavender, Peppermint, Lime & Eucalyptus, or Sandalwood & Vanilla, stop using the product(s) immediately. Information about how to obtain a refund can be found here.
- If you were exposed to the recalled Better Homes & Gardens aromatherapy spray within the past 21 days and develop fever, coughing, or skin lesions, call your doctor and let them know that you were exposed to a product that has been recalled due to bacterial contamination with the potential to cause serious illness.
- If you were exposed to the recalled Better Homes & Gardens aromatherapy spray within the past 7 days but do not have any symptoms, call your doctor, as you might be advised to take antibiotics to prevent melioidosis infection.
This Really Happened
In 2021, 4 cases of melioidosis were diagnosed in the US. The affected patients included both children and adults. The patients had no history of recent international travel, and testing showed that the patients were all infected by a similar type of Burkholderia pseudomallei. Three of the 4 patients had underlying medical conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cirrhosis, and COVID-19 infection. Two of the patients died. A CDC investigation found Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria in a bottle of air freshener spray in one of the patients’ homes. Further investigation found that the same spray product likely caused the illness in the other 3 patients.
The air freshener spray was labeled “Better Homes & Gardens Lavender & Chamomile Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones.” This spray was manufactured in India, imported into the US, and sold by Walmart in stores and online. On October 22, 2021, a recall was issued for the suspected Better Homes & Gardens air freshener spray products. People who purchased the air freshener spray were advised to stop using it and thoroughly wash all linens or surfaces that the product might have been sprayed onto. Despite this recall, it is likely that some of the product is still in people’s homes.
For More Information
References
Gassiep I, Armstrong M, Norton R. Human melioidosis. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2020;33(2):e00006-19.
Wiersinga WJ, Currie BJ, Peacock SJ. Melioidosis. N Engl J Med. 2012;367(11):1035-1044.
Wiersinga WJ, Virk HS, Torres AG, et al. Melioidosis. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2018;4:17107.
Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- If you purchased Better Homes & Gardens Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones, including the scents Lavender & Chamomile, Lemon & Mandarin, Lavender, Peppermint, Lime & Eucalyptus, or Sandalwood & Vanilla, stop using the product(s) immediately. Information about how to obtain a refund can be found here.
- If you were exposed to the recalled Better Homes & Gardens aromatherapy spray within the past 21 days and develop fever, coughing, or skin lesions, call your doctor and let them know that you were exposed to a product that has been recalled due to bacterial contamination with the potential to cause serious illness.
- If you were exposed to the recalled Better Homes & Gardens aromatherapy spray within the past 7 days but do not have any symptoms, call your doctor, as you might be advised to take antibiotics to prevent melioidosis infection.
This Really Happened
In 2021, 4 cases of melioidosis were diagnosed in the US. The affected patients included both children and adults. The patients had no history of recent international travel, and testing showed that the patients were all infected by a similar type of Burkholderia pseudomallei. Three of the 4 patients had underlying medical conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cirrhosis, and COVID-19 infection. Two of the patients died. A CDC investigation found Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria in a bottle of air freshener spray in one of the patients’ homes. Further investigation found that the same spray product likely caused the illness in the other 3 patients.
The air freshener spray was labeled “Better Homes & Gardens Lavender & Chamomile Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones.” This spray was manufactured in India, imported into the US, and sold by Walmart in stores and online. On October 22, 2021, a recall was issued for the suspected Better Homes & Gardens air freshener spray products. People who purchased the air freshener spray were advised to stop using it and thoroughly wash all linens or surfaces that the product might have been sprayed onto. Despite this recall, it is likely that some of the product is still in people’s homes.