Gov’t activates health surveillance systems following infant formula recall linked to botulism cases in mainland US

Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero

By THE STAR STAFF

The island Department of Health has activated its early alert systems in response to a warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding a nationwide recall of infant formula potentially linked to cases of infant botulism in 10 states.

Although no suspected or confirmed cases have been reported in Puerto Rico, Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero ordered the immediate activation of the Syndromic Surveillance System and the Water and Foodborne Disease Surveillance System. The measures aim to detect any unusual symptoms that may arise in local emergency rooms.

“The goal is to identify any early signs that could indicate a potential case,” Ramos Otero said. “Monitoring is being conducted in coordination with hospitals, diagnostic and treatment centers (CDTs), Primary Health Centers (330s), medical groups, pediatricians, federal agencies, and other entities.”

The recall affects specific batches of “WholeNutrition Infant Formula” manufactured by ByHeart Inc. The company removed batches 206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2 from the market following recommendations from the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The product was available for purchase online.

Ramos Otero urged families to check formula containers at home and discontinue use if the batch numbers match the recalled ones. He advised parents to contact their pediatrician immediately if their child shows symptoms consistent with infant botulism.

Infant botulism is a rare but serious condition caused by ingestion of spores from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which can produce a toxin in the intestines that affects the nervous system. Symptoms include progressive muscle weakness and difficulty swallowing or sucking.

Iris Cardona Gerena, Puerto Rico’s chief medical officer, emphasized the importance of early detection.

“Parents should watch for signs such as trouble sucking or swallowing, loss of head control, and reduced facial expression,” she said. “If any of these symptoms appear after consuming the recalled formula, seek medical attention immediately.”

Meanwhile, Chief Epidemiologist Miriam V. Ramos Colón highlighted the complementary role of both surveillance systems in ensuring rapid response.

“Continuous monitoring allows us to detect unusual patterns or early warning signs that could be linked to botulism, ensuring a swift and coordinated response,” she said.