The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is alerting parents and health care providers about a recent outbreak of infant botulism.
Fifteen babies across the country, including one in North Carolina, have a suspected or confirmed case of the illness due to exposure to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula.
According to a press release, the product was recalled on Tuesday and retailers should be taking it off store shelves, though it’s still available online.
Officials are urging parents who have purchased the formula to throw it away or return it. They should also wash items and surfaces that may have been contaminated using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
"Infant botulism is a serious illness and can be life-threating," said Director of the NCDHHS Division of Public Health Dr. Kelly Kimple. "NCDHHS is working with our public health and healthcare partners to be sure parents are not using the recalled formula so more babies in North Carolina won’t be exposed."
Infant botulism symptoms can take several weeks to develop, and include difficulty swallowing, loss of head control and trouble breathing.
Caregivers should seek immediate medical care for infants who have consumed the formula or have any of those symptoms