Aromatherapy spray that killed two people in a multistate outbreak also killed pet raccoon

TL;DR

In October 2021, investigators with the CDC discovered the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei in the lavender and chamomile scent of Better Homes & Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray With Gemstones, which had been imported from India and sold at 55 Walmart stores.Walmart voluntarily recalled about 3,900 bottles of the product from the 55 stores in 18 states after the company became aware of the concerns, according to spokesperson Randy Hargrove.According to the CDC, the Texas patient's previously healthy pet raccoon broke a bottle of the spray and walked through the liquid in March 2021.After identifying the bacteria in the aromatherapy product in 2021, the CDC advised anyone with the spray in their home to stop using it immediately and dispose of it by double bagging it in clear bags and a cardboard box and taking it to a Walmart location.Most cases are found in people who lived or traveled to areas where Burkholderia pseudomallei are found and person-to-person spread is "extremely rare," according to the CDC."

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