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U.S. health officials warned parents on Thursday not to use three popular powdered infant formulas manufactured at an Abbott plant in Michigan that investigators recently linked to bacterial contamination. The Food and Drug Administration said it is investigating four reports of infants who were hospitalized after consuming the formula, including one who died. The agency said one of the cases involved salmonella and three involved Cronobacter sakazakiim, a rare but dangerous germ that can cause blood infections and other serious complications. (Perrone, 2/18)

Cronobacter bacteria can cause sepsis or meningitis, which can be severe and life-threatening illnesses, according to the FDA. Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths and abnormal movements. Salmonella can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis, the FDA said. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Severe cases of salmonellosis can cause a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, rashes and blood in urine or stool. It can become fatal. (Reardon, 2/17)

The FDA said it initiated an onsite inspection at the facility and findings to date include several positive "Cronobacter sakazakii results." “As this is a product used as the sole source of nutrition for many of our nation’s newborns and infants, the FDA is deeply concerned about these reports of bacterial infections,” said Frank Yiannas, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, in a statement. (Tyko, 2/17)

The reason for the baby formula shortage is unclear. Chains like Walmart and CVS blame supply issues, while manufacturers like Gerber, Enfamil and Similac say retailers aren’t getting their products into stores once it is delivered. Whatever the reason, bare shelves are causing parents of infants to panic. If you find yourself looking at low levels of baby formula at home, we are here to tell you there is no need to stress. There are many options and smart steps you can take to keep your baby healthy and fed. (Randazza, 2/8)