Oregon baby remains affected by infant botulism after ByHeart formula exposure

A Portland infant remains on a feeding tube while recovering from infant botulism that doctors tied to recalled ByHeart formula; federal agencies report no new linked cases since Dec. 17.

A 10-month-old Portland boy was diagnosed with presumed infant botulism after receiving donated ByHeart baby formula and remains on a feeding tube as he recovers. The family received the formula through a social-services referral shortly before the company issued a nationwide recall. ByHeart had distributed cans to nonprofit partners, and the company has since recalled its products and halted production while federal agencies investigate. Legal filings seeking to consolidate cases tied to the outbreak are now underway. Known details: - Doctors at Randall Children’s Hospital diagnosed the infant with presumed botulism after he developed muscle weakness and other symptoms following consumption of the donated formula; he received BabyBIG treatment and has required a feeding tube during recovery. - State officials acknowledged their agency received ByHeart formula from the local PDX Diaper Bank; the diaper bank said it distributed several hundred cans before the recall and notified families afterward. - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported no new cases tied to this outbreak since Dec. 17, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has inspected ByHeart plants but has not announced a confirmed source; production remains halted. - A food safety attorney represents more than 30 affected families and has asked a federal panel to consolidate at least 18 lawsuits related to the recalled formula in U.S. district court. Summary: The infant continues to recover in stages and remains dependent on a feeding tube, with doctors reporting ongoing weakness. Federal health agencies have reported no new related cases recently and inspections are under way; the next notable legal step is a petition to consolidate lawsuits before a federal panel.