Two infants, one from Kentucky who died and another from Missouri who suffered brain damage, have been infected this year by the harmful bacteria that led to recalls and shortages of powdered formula last year.

On Thursday, federal health officials verified that there have been two instances of serious infections caused by cronobacter sakazakii in 2023. These cases involved infants who had consumed powdered infant formula produced by Abbott Nutrition, the company involved in the 2022 controversy.

The FDA stated that there is no proof that the infections are connected to production and no justification for additional recalls. These bacteria occur naturally in the environment and can also contaminate infant formula once it has been opened.

At this time, the FDA stated that there is no evidence of a larger health issue associated with this product.

On November 15, health authorities in Kentucky informed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that a young person who ingested Similac Total Comfort powdered formula passed away after contracting Cronobacter sakazakii.

In early March, a 6-week-old baby named Mira White from Sikeston, Missouri was diagnosed with a brain infection caused by bacteria found in an open container of Similac NeoSure formula at her home.

The presence of identical bacteria prompted federal authorities to close a Sturgis, Michigan factory owned by Abbott, a manufacturer of infant formula. The shutdown occurred after inspections were initiated due to four cases of infants falling ill, two of which resulted in death. These inspections revealed widespread contamination throughout the plant.

After becoming sick, Mira has experienced frequent seizures and uncontrollable episodes of crying, according to her mother, 33-year-old Asian Davis. Scans of her brain revealed neurologic impairment and tissue loss due to the infection.

Davis stated that it had a significant impact on her brain and she will develop slowly.

FDA investigators stated that there was no evidence to suggest a connection between Mira’s infection and the factory in Casa Grande, Arizona that produced the formula intended for premature infants. Representatives from Abbott reported that they did not detect the presence of cronobacter in any batches of formula produced at the facility. Additionally, unopened cans of Similac NeoSure formula from Mira’s residence did not contain the bacteria.

The FDA in Kentucky stated that there is no proof of contamination after an inspection on November 21 at a facility owned by Abbott. The child and plant location were not disclosed by officials.

Abbott representatives stated that there is no proof that the illnesses were caused by conditions at the company’s manufacturing facilities or contamination in sealed products.

According to Frank Yiannas, a previous FDA employee responsible for food safety response, it should be noted that a negative test does not necessarily mean there is no contamination present.

According to him, a positive test outcome holds significant meaning while a negative test result is inconsequential.

Food safety experts are emphasizing the danger of powdered formula, especially for premature infants like Mira, after several tragic incidents. This serves as a reminder for the importance of educating parents and caregivers on the proper preparation and use of this essential source of nutrition.

Mitzi Baum, the CEO of the nonprofit organization STOP Foodborne Illness, stated that numerous individuals are unaware that powdered infant formula is not sterile.

The powder can contain harmful bacteria and is susceptible to contamination from household sources. Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria can be found in soil, surface water, and dry foods.

Newborns and premature infants are at risk for illnesses caused by bacteria due to their underdeveloped immune systems, which are not yet strong enough to combat them.

Earlier this year, the CDC advised parents to thoroughly wash their hands and sterilize any equipment and surroundings before feeding their newborns. This warning came after a baby tragically passed away in 2022 due to a cronobacter sakazakii infection linked to a contaminated breast pump.

The CDC usually gets two to four records annually of invasive illness caused by cronobacter, but it is believed to be an underestimate. As of January 1st, the organization will officially monitor cases of sickness caused by this bacteria. According to the agency, powdered baby formula is the primary source of cronobacter infections in infants.

Davis, an Asian, stated that she was not familiar with cronobacter sakazakii until Mira fell ill.

The girl spent several weeks in the hospital after being born prematurely in January, but showed normal development upon being discharged in February. In March, shortly after starting to feed Mira formula, Davis observed a change.

“She ceased consuming and nursing,” Davis remembered. “My maternal instinct kicked in and I thought, ‘Something is amiss with my child.'”

Following a series of examinations, medical professionals determined that Mira had contracted bacterial meningitis due to the presence of cronobacter sakazakii in her spinal fluid and blood.

Lawyers for Davis and her daughter filed a lawsuit against Abbott on Monday, alleging that the company sold a faulty product and failed to properly warn parents of premature infants about the potential risks of using powdered formula. The court in Illinois, where the case was sent, stated that it may take several days to process civil claims and that the case was not yet entered into their system.

The ongoing legal case involves the relatives of another minor, Ryker Brown from DeKalb, Illinois, who suffered from bacterial meningitis and brain injury in 2021 due to a cronobacter infection from consuming Similac NeoSure formula. The source of his infection is unclear.

The FDA is still keeping a close watch on the Abbott facility in Michigan as per their legal agreement.

In August, the agency alerted three U.S. formula producers to improve their efforts in preventing contamination at their manufacturing facilities. This comes after criticism for a delayed response to previous cases of cronobacter illness.

Davis, a mother who is raising four older children on her own, has not been able to continue working as a certified nursing assistant due to the intense level of care required for Mira’s condition. She mentioned that she joined the legal action in order to bring attention to the risks associated with the uncommon bacteria and to secure financial support for Mira’s future medical needs.

Davis stated that the individual in question may require multiple surgeries and could potentially rely on a wheelchair. These accommodations may be necessary for the remainder of her life.

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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group provides assistance to the Associated Press Health and Science Department. The AP is solely responsible for all of its content.