CDC Reports That Two Infants Infected With Cronobacter Sakazakii Were Linked To Baby Formula and Breastfeeding Equipment

Following the reported infection of two infants with a rare bacteria, the CDC urges parents to clean all infant feeding items thoroughly.

According to the CDC, although Cronobacter sakazakii infections are uncommon, they can result in serious illness, including meningitis, sepsis, and infant deaths.

The first infection was reported in September 2021 and linked to an opened container of powdered infant formula.

The second infection was reported in February 2022 after another infant bacterial infection was identified and linked to contaminated breastfeeding equipment that was “cleaned in a household sink, sanitized, and sometimes assembled while still moist.”

According to the report, the infant died 13 days later.

Cronobacter sakazakii is the same bacteria that caused the shutdown of Abbott Nutrition’s infant formula plant and the subsequent recall of formula in 2022 after four babies who had been fed Abbott’s formula developed a Cronobacter sakazakii infection.

The report does not mention the brand of formula involved in the 2021 case.

According to Abbott, there isn’t enough evidence to say that its infant formula is to blame for infant illnesses or fatalities.

To avoid spreading germs that could make an infant ill, the CDC advises that if an infant is fed powdered formula, all surfaces, feeding devices, and hands should be well sanitized.