A growing multistate outbreak of infant botulism has reached Galveston County, where a four-month-old is now hospitalized and health officials are sounding the alarm over recalled formula.
Galveston County Health District Health officials confirmed the case Friday, noting the infant is being treated at Texas Children’s Hospital while agencies trace potential links to recalled formula. Health officials say the infant is on a ventilator and receiving BabyBIG, the recommended treatment for infant botulism.
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The case is part of a multistate outbreak linked to infant formula, according to the CDC, FDA and Texas Department of State Health Services. To date, 31 infants across 15 states have been hospitalized with the illness, though no deaths have been reported.
ByHeart Inc. has recalled all of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products while federal and state agencies investigate the outbreak. Parents are urged to stop using any ByHeart formula immediately.
Officials advise caregivers to record the lot number and best-by date if available, label remaining formula as “do not use,” store it securely and discard it after 30 days if no symptoms develop. They also recommend washing bottles, feeding equipment and any surfaces that came into contact with the formula using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
Early symptoms of Infant botulism often include constipation, difficulty feeding, a weak or altered cry, loss of head control and decreased facial expression. Parents who notice any of these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.