Cronobacter sakazakii infections in two infants linked to powdered infant formula and breast pump equipment in 2021 and 2022

The CDC published an article in Morbidity Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) March 3, 2023 / 72(9);223–226 describing two infants with C. sakazakii meningitis in September 2021 and February 2022. WGS analysis links one case to contaminated opened powdered formula from the patient’s home and the other to contaminated breast pump equipment. The two cases of C. sakazakii infection in infants were not related. These cases illustrate the ubiquity of the pathogen in the environment and the importance of hygiene in preventing C. sakazakii infections. Although C. sakazakii infections are treatable with antibiotics, they often have devastating outcomes, with death occurring in nearly 40% of infants. Because C. sakazakii infection is not a nationally notifiable condition, the actual incidence is unknown. It is estimated that approximately 18 cases of invasive C. sakazakii infection in infants occur annually in the United States. In one case, the organism was isolated from environmental sources in the home, such as kitchen sink surfaces, pacifiers, bottles, household utensils, vacuum cleaning bags, and other foods. Because of the widespread presence of C. sakazakii in the environment, caregivers of infants should follow safe hygiene, preparation, and storage practices and learn steps to protect infants from infection.  @ https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7209a2.htm?s_cid=mm7209a2_w&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_485-DM102020&ACSTrackingLabel=Food%20Safety%20Updates%20From%20CDC&deliveryName=USCDC_485-DM102020