Breastfeed, bottle feed babies safely to avoid deadly Cronobacter germ

Nov 21, 2023

Last year, certain infant formula was impossible to find after the production line was shut down because of the germ Cronobacter sakazakii. This spring, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning for Cronobacter not just in formula but also in breast milk.

This happened after a premature baby died last year from a Cronobacter infection linked to his mother's breast pump parts.

The CDC noted that two to four cases are reported each year, but that might not reflect the true number of cases. Hospitals, laboratories and public health departments are not required to report cases of the bacteria to the CDC.

It's a very common bacteria that is found everywhere said Donna Cordoba, a registered nurse and a certified lactation consultant at St. David's South Austin Medical Center. It's found on surfaces but can also live in dried food such as powdered formula, powdered milk, starches and herbal tea, according to the CDC.

"It's mostly harmless to most people," Cordoba said.

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All infants in the first two months of life are at risk.

After two months, Cronobacter is still a concern for infants:

For a baby to get sick from the germ is rare, Cordoba said, but "if you're that one person, no matter how rare it is, it isn't rare anymore."

It is not in the mother's breast milk, Cordoba said. It's a case of cross-contamination when breast milk is pumped and then given to a baby in a bottle. In the case last year, in which it was found on the breast pump parts, they might have been placed on a contaminated surface and not cleaned properly before a mother pumped and brought the germ onto the surface of the bottle or into the milk, the CDC found.

In the case of formula-fed babies, last year Cronobacter was found in the formula during manufacturing, but it could appear if a bottle or the nipple is placed on a contaminated surface.

"Powdered formula is not sterile and might have germs in it," the CDC warned.

Learn more:Here's how Central Texas parents can navigate the baby formula shortage

Cronobacter infections usually start as a fever, and the baby doesn't want to eat, is crying or has no energy. Babies also can have jaundice, abnormal body movements, grunting breaths or seizures.

Cronobacter causes a blood infection, also known as sepsis. That then infects the lining of the brain and the spinal cord, causing meningitis. Death can then happen.

The treatment is hospitalization and antibiotics.

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Clean surfaces of your house regularly or wherever you might pump breast milk or prepare formula. Make sure all of your bottle and pump parts are cleaned properly.

Wash your hands, especially before touching your baby's mouth or anything that goes into your baby's mouth.

Wash your hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers. Soap and water are best.

Contact Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin, milkbank.org, 512-494-0800.