Episode 988: Infant Botulism
Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: A 2025 multistate outbreak of infant botulism has been linked to ByHeart infant formula As of December 10-17th, there have been at least 51 infants with suspected or confirmed botulism who were exposed to this formula across 19 states All reported cases resulted in hospitalization but no deaths reported to date Infant botulism Occurs when C. botulinum spores germinate in the infant's intestine, producing toxin Spores are classically found in honey but can also be in dirt or contaminated in infant formula Infants are particularly susceptible because their body can't neutralize the spores Symptoms may include initial constipation, poor feeding, weak cry, floppy movements, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, generalized weakness, and respiratory compromise if progressive Can be treated with antitoxin Maintain a high index of suspicion for infant botulism in infants fed the recalled formula presenting with neuromuscular symptoms. References Human Foods Program. Outbreak Investigation of Infant Botulism: Infant Formula. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Published 2025. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-infant-botulism-infant-formula-november-2025 Summarized by Meg Joyce, MS2 | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jeffrey Olson, MS4 Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/
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