Cherokee Regional Medical Center Thursday, Oct 28, 2021

As noted in an October 22nd Health Alert and press release, CDC identified Burkholderia pseudomallei in an aromatherapy room spray product. The Better Homes and Gardens-branded Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones “Lavender & Chamomile” scent was sold at a limited number of Walmart stores and online nationwide between February and October. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall alert. Of the almost 4,000 products sold, 225 of them were sold in Iowa.

This undated photo provided by Walmart and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a bottle of Better Homes & Gardens aromatherapy lavender & chamomile essential oil and semiprecious stone-infused room spray. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Walmart issued a recall Friday, Oct. 22. 2021, for 3,900 bottles of the spray. (Walmart/CDC via AP)

Q: CDC guidance say to not throw away the bottle or dispose it myself. Why can’t I just throw it away?

A: The bacteria that causes melioidosis does not occur naturally here in the United States. It can also live for a very long time in soil, water, and probably even landfills. Because of this, it is safest to make sure the bottles are destroyed completely. People who may have this product in their homes are asked to return it to Walmart. Walmart is working with CDC to develop a plan to ensure the bottles will be safely handled and destroyed.