Idaho infant hospitalized with suspected botulism after baby formula recall

The hospitalization of an Ada County infant with suspected botulism is believed to be linked to a national recall of an infant formula, Idaho health officials say.

The case is the only one in Idaho that state officials believe is linked to the recall of ByHeart Whole Nutrition’s infant formula. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, is investigating the source of the contamination. 

The recalled formula was available in stores throughout Idaho, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare announced in a news release Wednesday.

According to the release, parents should stop using any ByHeart infant formula products immediately and should wash items and surfaces that may have touched the formula using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

“While infant botulism is rare, it can progress quickly and requires prompt medical attention,” said Idaho state epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn. “We want parents and caregivers to know that we are working closely with our federal partners to understand the extent of this outbreak and ensure that affected products are removed from circulation. If your baby has consumed this formula, please watch for symptoms and seek medical care right away.”

Infant botulism is a rare, serious illness. Symptoms, which usually start as soon as 18 hours after digestion but can take up to 30 days, include:

• Constipation
• Difficulty swallowing or poor feeding
• Weak facial expressions
• Loss of head control

If a child does develop symptoms, the local public health district may want to collect the formula container for testing and may ask for product information, such as the lot number and best by date on the formula, the release said.