The ongoing investigation into a multistate outbreak of at least 15 infant botulism illnesses from 10 states has led many to wonder just what the dangers are of botulism and who is most impacted. While adults can be infected with foodborne botulism from eating foods contaminated with the Clostridium botulinum toxin, cases are rare and occur most commonly from improperly canned or preserved home-food foods. However, the botulinum spores, which occur naturally in honey and in some sugars and sweeteners, are harmlessly consumed by adults.
Infant botulism is different in that the consuming, or even inhaling, of botulinum spores is dangerous because the spores can multiply and create the toxin within the infant’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This affects infants under 12 months because their GI tracts are not fully developed and can allow spore germination. Because it is a gradual germination, infant botulism generally starts slowly (e.g., with poor feeding, constipation, weak cries, and limp arms and legs), worsening to breathing difficulty and paralysis if not treated.
While medical science does not yet understand all of what makes a baby susceptible, honey has been the primary identified source of the spores; and it has been definitively linked to infant botulism by laboratory and epidemiologic evidence. Thus, honey and foods with honey should never be given to babies under one year of age.
Although ByHeart powdered infant formula has been implicated in the outbreak, and is undergoing recall, the point of contamination has not yet been determined, and the investigation and testing are continuing.
Public Health News:
- The US CDC is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Cotham linked to pet bearded dragons. As of Nov 3, 2025, 17 cases and 1 death have been reported. 53% of the cases are in children under 5 years of age. It appears that this is a persistent strain associated with the reptile, since cases in 2024 and from 2012-2014 were also linked to it. Effective hand hygiene is recommended to help prevent further cases.
- As of Nov 7, 2025, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported 11 cases of Campylobacter infection linked to the consumption of raw milk from a common source. The producer is notifying customers and cooperating with the investigation.
- Since the last update, and as of Nov 6, 2025, no new Ebola cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo. All patients have been discharged and there are no contacts under active monitoring. The 42-day countdown for declaring the outbreak over was initiated on Oct 19, following the discharge of the last patient being treated.
- Canada has officially lost its measles elimination status. The status change came after the country failed to interrupt transmission within one year of an outbreak that has continued to spread. Previously, Canada held this designation for 27 years.
