June 29 (UPI) — U.S. federal health officials will soon begin monitoring cases of infant illnesses caused by cronobacter, an uncommon yet fatal bacteria that led to a shortage of baby formula last year.
The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE), an advisory body to the CDC, recently announced in a statement that it has approved the addition of invasive cronobacter infant infections to the list of diseases reported to the federal health agency.
According to the CDC, cronobacter sakazakii is a naturally occurring germ found in dry goods like powdered infant formula, powdered milk, herbal teas, and starches. Although rare, cronobacter infections can be fatal, especially for infants under 2 months old or those born prematurely.
Cronobacter bacteria played a significant role in last year’s baby formula shortage, which prompted the Biden administration to import supplies from other countries after a U.S. plant closed for several months and potentially contaminated products were recalled.
The CSTE’s approved position statement also establishes standardized criteria for identifying and counting cases, which will aid in public health surveillance. Additionally, the statement recommends public reporting of confirmed and probable cronobacter cases.
“These efforts will assist public health agencies in quantifying and identifying the cause of cronobacter infections and, coupled with education efforts, will help protect the health of those most vulnerable,” said CSTE Executive Director Janey Hamilton. “Ultimately, we want to prevent these infections.”
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