Mouthwash Blamed in Hospital Deaths

FARGO, N.D. (AP) â€” Relatives of four people who died at a hospital here last year have filed lawsuits claiming the deaths were caused by contaminated mouthwash. <br><br>The lawsuits, filed in U.S. District

Friday, January 5th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

FARGO, N.D. (AP) â€” Relatives of four people who died at a hospital here last year have filed lawsuits claiming the deaths were caused by contaminated mouthwash.

The lawsuits, filed in U.S. District Court in Fargo, say the DawnMist Mouth Rinse used at Fargo's MeritCare Hospital was contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia. It is described in the lawsuits as a ``virulent and rapidly spreading bacteria that is resistant to almost all antibiotics.''

The deaths occurred in January 1999 and February 1999. The mouthwash was recalled in the spring of 1999 by its distributor, Donovan Industries of Tampa, Fla., according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The relatives filed separate lawsuits against Donovan Industries and Hi-City Manufacturing, the Malaysian company that made the mouthwash.

The lawsuits contend Hi-City was negligent by not properly testing or manufacturing its product. They also allege that Donovan Industries' guidelines do not comply with those of the FDA.

Officials at Donovan Industries did not immediately return a call seeking comment Friday.