A baby from Virginia becomes the latest among dozens of infants across the United States who have contracted infant botulism, which is a rare and potentially fatal disease, in relation to contaminated formula.
Authorities reported that as of Dec. 3, 2025, 39 babies across 18 different states were suspected or confirmed to be cases of infant botulism. The cases stem from the babies' exposure to ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula.
Outbreak of Infant Botulism
The young victims who fell ill in the latest outbreak were aged between two weeks and nine months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that the children's sicknesses began between Aug. 9 and Nov. 19.
So far, officials have not recorded any deaths among the infants who contracted infant botulism, but all of the babies were hospitalized. The disease typically only impacts a few hundred babies annually and occurs when a baby swallows spores of the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, according to WRIC.
After being ingested by the infants, the bacteria then grow inside the host's intestines, where they release a toxin that makes the babies sick. The disease's symptoms can sometimes take weeks to develop. They include constipation, difficulty sucking or swallowing, a weak and altered cry, and difficulty breathing, among others.
Following the recent outbreak, a ByHeart recall was announced, but it initially included only a few lots. Ultimately, all of the company's products were recalled following concerns being raised about potential widespread contamination. A round of tests later confirmed the suspicions.
Officials from the Virginia Health Department also told families that if they had the recalled formula on their shelves, they should return it for a refund or immediately throw it away for safety, 12onyourside reported.
An Extremely Dangerous Toxin
The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also advised parents to immediately stop using ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula, including cans and packets. The disease, if left untreated, could result in paralysis of the infant and could progress to involve respiratory muscles, which could lead to life-threatening respiratory failure.
The statement noted that local health departments will discuss options for public health testing of infant botulism. Additionally, it said that laboratory personnel must be alerted when the disease is suspected so they can take appropriate measures to protect a greater number of potential victims.
The warning comes as botulinum toxins are extremely poisonous and exposure to them is the top laboratory hazard, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
