(RIDOH)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Health said that families should take precautions after a confirmed case of infant botulism in the state.
The infant presented systems on Oct. 24 after consuming ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, was then hospitalized, and then was released to recover.
RIDOH said that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were investigating a multi-state bout of the disease originating from the formula.
Families were advised not to use the following lots of the formula:
- Lot: 206VABP/251261P2 (Use by 01 Dec 2026)
- Lot: 206VABP/251131P2 (Use by 01 Dec 2026)
Symptoms of infant botulism can include:
- Choking when trying to feed
- Weaker suck or poor feeding
- Lack of facial expressions, being unable to lift their head, or other signs of muscle weakness or paralysis
- Weakness or decreased muscle tone, especially starting at the top of their body and limbs, making your baby feel “floppy” and keeping them from reaching or grabbing
- Bowel movement changes, like not pooping for days or even weeks at a time
