No South Dakota Cases in Multistate Infant Botulism Outbreak Linked to Recalled Formula

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - Health officials are urging parents and medical providers to be alert after a multistate outbreak of infant botulism was linked to a recalled powdered infant formula product. As of June 13, 2026, no cases have been reported in South Dakota, according to a statewide notice issued by the South Dakota Department of Health (SD‑DOH).

Three cases have been identified nationally — one each in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. The infants ranged from 86 to 153 days old, with illness onset beginning in April. All three were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG®, the standard antitoxin therapy for infant botulism. No deaths have been reported.

Nara Organics Organic Infant Formula, made in Germany with whole milk, provides essential nutrients like iron and DHA for infants aged 0-12 months. USDA organic certified, this milk-based formula avoids palm oil, soy, and corn syrup, supporting healthy brain development and digestion.

Recalled Product Identified

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced a recall of all Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula, which has been linked to the outbreak. Parents and caregivers are advised not to feed infants any of the recalled formula.

Health officials recommend the following steps for anyone who has the recalled product:

·         Photograph and record the lot number and use‑by date before disposal.

·         If the formula has already been opened, consider keeping it for possible testing only if the infant develops symptoms.

·         Clearly label the product “DO NOT USE” and store it safely away from feeding supplies for at least one month.

·         If no symptoms appear after one month, discard the remaining formula.

Guidance for Healthcare Providers

The SD‑DOH is asking medical providers statewide to maintain heightened awareness for potential cases, particularly in infants who consumed the recalled formula.

Providers are encouraged to:

·         Ask parents which formula brand their infant uses.

·         Inform families about the Nara Organics recall.

·         Ensure that the recalled formula is not being consumed.

Infant botulism is a reportable disease in South Dakota, and all suspected cases must be reported to SD‑DOH at 800‑592‑1861.

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Symptoms and Clinical Presentation

Infant botulism can present with a range of symptoms, including:

·         Constipation

·         Poor feeding

·         Drooping eyelids (ptosis)

·         Sluggish pupils

·         Flattened facial expression

·         Weak or altered cry

·         Diminished suck and gag reflexes

If untreated, the illness can progress to flaccid paralysis, potentially leading to difficulty breathing or respiratory arrest.

Infants typically become ill after ingesting Clostridium botulinum spores, which can take up to 30 days to cause symptoms.

Providers who suspect a case should immediately contact the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program at 510‑231‑7600, available 24/7 for consultation.

More Information

Details on affected lot numbers and recall information are available on the FDA website. Additional outbreak updates and clinical guidance can be found on the CDC’s infant botulism webpage.