As a precaution, Health Canada is advising Canadians to stop using and discard all products manufactured by Eco-Med Pharmaceuticals (ultrasound gels, transmission and massage lotions, hand sanitizers and first aid antiseptics) due to potential bacterial contamination with Burkholderia stabilis (B. stabilis). Health Canada previously communicated the manufacturer's voluntary recall for certain lots of ultrasound gels as a result of this contamination. The Department is now expanding the list of impacted products to include all of the company's products because the source of the bacterial contamination is unknown and cannot be determined at this time. In addition, the Department is not able to determine if there are other potential risks or other bacterial contamination as Eco-Med has ceased all company operations. B. stabilis is a member of a group of bacterial organisms called Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) that are potentially highly virulent and multi-drug resistant. The effects of Bcc vary widely, ranging from no symptoms at all to serious infections. Bcc bloodstream infections may result in sepsis and death in some cases. Patients - particularly those with compromised immune systems - experiencing an unusual or persistent infection on the skin or in the general area where the product was applied, or who are feeling unwell (e.g., have a fever and/or feel tired), should seek immediate medical attention.
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