Health Dept. confirms infant botulism case

Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero

Rapid coordination ensures timely treatment

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Department of Health has confirmed a case of infant botulism and underscored the swift response that allowed the patient to receive life‑saving treatment within 48 hours of the initial alert.

According to the agency, the suspected case was reported on May 27 by the University Pediatric Hospital after an infant presented symptoms consistent with the illness, including generalized flaccidity, excessive drooling, constipation, reduced activity, and signs of respiratory distress.

Following the notification, Health Department personnel activated epidemiological surveillance protocols and coordinated a specialized clinical consultation. As part of that process, the agency requested BabyBIG immunoglobulin on May 28. The treatment was administered the following day, May 29, once the patient was admitted.

“From the very beginning, our team worked in close coordination with national experts to ensure the child received the appropriate evaluation and treatment without delay,” Health Secretary Dr. Víctor Ramos Otero said. “The rapid response of our public health professionals and clinical staff was crucial in addressing this situation.”

Preliminary testing conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention detected botulinum toxin type A in a stool sample. Additional analyses, including efforts to isolate Clostridium botulinum, remain underway. Health authorities have also launched an epidemiological investigation to determine the source of exposure, though no specific origin had been identified as of Tuesday morning.

The most recent clinical update available on Tuesday indicated the infant was showing encouraging signs of recovery.

Infant botulism is a rare but potentially serious condition affecting children under 12 months old. It occurs when C. botulinum spores colonize the intestine and produce a toxin that affects the nervous system. Common symptoms include constipation, muscle weakness, poor feeding, weak cry, loss of head control, and, in severe cases, respiratory complications.

The Health Department emphasized that infant botulism is not transmitted from person to person. As a precaution, officials urged parents and caregivers to provide only safe, age‑appropriate foods to infants under one year old and to seek immediate medical attention if they observe symptoms associated with the condition.

The agency will continue to monitor the patient’s progress and collaborate with federal partners as laboratory and epidemiological investigations proceed.