Baby formula contaminated with bacteria has hospitalized 13 infants, including one New Jersey resident. Two lots of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula contain bacteria that causes botulism. Other patients were hospitalized in Pennsylvania, California, Arizona, Illinois, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Texas. The affected products have since been recalled. Any person who has this product should not use it, and either throw it out or return it for a refund.
Botulism is relatively rare in babies, affecting less than 200 US infants per year. Babies under 12 months old are especially vulnerable to severe illness from the bacterial spores, which can be found in dirt, dust, water or contaminated honey. Signs of botulism may not show up until weeks after exposure. Symptoms can include loss of head control, poor feeding, drooping eyelids and a flat affect. Impaired breathing or swallowing may also occur.
Full Story: NBC News
