Botulism outbreak linked to infant formula just got bigger – now in 13 states
Several outbreaks of infant botulism linked to infant formula have increased, with federal health officials identifying another group of cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Drug Administration released the latest update over the weekend. Authorities have recorded eight new cases since the beginning of last week, bringing the total to 23 cases in 13 locations, all of which have been hospitalized. The outbreak appears to be associated with infant formula produced by the all-healthy ByHEart company, prompting a recall of all its products.
Infant development
Botulism is an illness caused by botulinum toxin, which is produced by bacteria Chlorridium Botulinum. Botulism is often linked to contaminated food C. Botulinumor the course of illness differs between infants and every person.
Usually, botulism is caused there C. Botulinum Inside the food that regenerates from their spore form and begins to make botulinum ubuzin. Most people get sick when they start eating toxin. But in children, botulisms often occur when the child eats these grains, then they work inside their guts and produce toxins.
It is not clear exactly why these bacteria can only flourish inside infants, but it may involve a lack of a strong microbiome. Symptoms of infant botulism, which include constipation, poor feeding, and difficulty swallowing, also tend to develop slowly, making it very difficult for parents and doctors to identify the cause. In severe cases, infant botulism can lead to progressive, life-threatening disabilities that affect the child’s breathing.
Honey is the only food that is clearly tied to the greatest risk of botulism in infants, which is why health organizations often recommend that families not feed their children honey until late. But C. Botulinum Spores are sensitive in nature and can end up in many different foods, including baby formula.
Link to baby formula
According to the CDC, the first known case of the outbreak occurred in early August, and the latest was reported on November 11.
Several parents report feeding their children complete ByHERET Formula products before their illness. When state health officials first reported the outbreak in early November, the company issued a recall of the two items reported by the sick children. After many parents reported cases of constipation in many other baby formula alternatives, the company issued a recall of its formula.
As of last week, at least 15 infants had consumed these products shortly before becoming ill. And the officials have not been identified with any other type of formula or other shaped presentation that seems dangerous to the general public.
As scary as botulism can be for families, most children survive its journey, especially with prompt medical attention. Although all the infants in the 23 cases so far have been admitted to hospital, they have all received antitoxin Babybig, a standard treatment. And no deaths have been reported so far.
Authorities are telling the public to stop using any Byheart all-Fortition formula products they buy. When people buy formula, they should wash and clean any areas that may come in contact with it. They should also keep the formula in a separate, safe place and throw it away after a month if their children do not develop any illness (in the event of a suspected illness, keeping the product will allow investigators to test it). Also, families should seek immediate medical attention if their infants consume formula and begin to experience possible symptoms of infant botulism.
