What is infant botulism and how is it caused?

Infant botulism is an infection caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria in an infant's large intestine, often due to environmental spores.

What symptoms should parents watch for in infant botulism?

Symptoms include poor feeding, constipation, weak cry, floppy movements, drooping eyelids, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Which infant formula is involved in the current outbreak?

The current outbreak is linked to ByHeart brand infant formula, which has been recalled nationwide.

Home / Health / 37 Babies Sickened in Infant Formula Outbreak

37 Babies Sickened in Infant Formula Outbreak

27 Nov

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Summary

37 infants sickened in botulism outbreak linked to ByHeart formula.
ByHeart recalled all its U.S. products amid the ongoing investigation.
Infant botulism cases have risen since August, prompting FDA scrutiny.

37 Babies Sickened in Infant Formula Outbreak

An outbreak of infant botulism has affected more than three dozen babies, with 37 confirmed or suspected cases linked to ByHeart brand powdered formula. Federal health officials announced the outbreak, which prompted the New York-based manufacturer to recall all its products sold in the U.S. on November 11. The illnesses, occurring between August 9 and November 19, required hospitalization for all affected infants, ranging in age from two weeks to nine months.

The Food and Drug Administration is actively investigating a surge in infant botulism cases reported since August, noting that ByHeart formula is disproportionately represented among sick infants. Lab tests confirmed contamination with the bacteria that can cause botulism in samples from the formula. FDA inspectors have visited the company's production facilities in Iowa and Oregon as part of the ongoing inquiry.