The death of an infant and illnesses of three others have led global health care company Abbott Laboratories to recall a number of its dried baby formula products. The news has alarmed parents worldwide.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have teamed to investigate the tainted infant formula claims. So far, infants in Minnesota, Ohio and Texas fell ill with bacterial infections after using the products made by the Illinois-based company’s Abbott Nutrition division.
One infant died
The U.S. infants were treated for the bacterial infections cronobacter sakazakii (3) and salmonella newport (1). The FDA reported that one infant may have died from cronobacter, a rare illness that is often fatal among infants. Cronobacter bacteria may lead to severe blood infections such as sepsis as well as meningitis.
The recalled products, which included powder formulas Similac, Alimentum and EleCare, came from an Abbott facility in Sturgis, Michigan. Abbott said it discovered evidence of cronobacter in its non-product areas at the Michigan plant. The FDA confirmed that environmental samples taken from the plant tested positive for cronobacter.
The company issued its product recall on Feb. 17.
Cronobacter and salmonella
Here are some important facts to know about these infections:
- Cronobacter: Its symptoms include fever, low energy and seizures. Surviving infants may have lifelong brain-related health problems. The symptoms of sepsis and meningitis include temperature changes, jaundice and abnormal movements.
- Salmonella: These bacteria may lead to gastrointestinal illnesses and severe fever. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
These symptoms can lead to serious illnesses.
Get a legal advocate
If you suspect that your infant was harmed by contaminated baby formula, promptly seek medical attention. At the same time, you wonder just how this hazardous situation could have happened. This also is the time to seek support, including from an experienced legal advocate who has a background in product liability cases. You need an ally who will help you stand up to these large corporations that fail the consumer.
View our law firm on a recent news segment discussing the baby formula recall and what steps we are taking to protect families who have been harmed.