Multistate Outbreak of Infant Botulism Linked to Recalled Infant Formula 

Federal and state health agencies are investigating a multistate infant botulism outbreak connected to recalled formula. Epidemiologic and laboratory data show that ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula is contaminated with Clostridium botulinum and is making infants sick.  

All suspected or confirmed cases have been hospitalized and received BabyBIG.  

For more information on this infant botulism outbreak, please visit the CDC outbreak website.  

If you suspect your infant patient has botulism, immediately call the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program at 510-231-7600 for case consultation. Consultation is available 24/7. If clinical consultation supports a potential diagnosis of infant botulism: 

• Begin treatment as soon as possible.  

• Do not wait for laboratory confirmation. 

• Infant botulism is an immediately reportable disease.  

• All suspected cases must be reported to your local health department right away. 

Protect Against Measles Ahead of Travel 

The number of reported measles cases continue to rise in the U.S. and globally, with measles exposures reported in Virginia this month at several public locations in Central and Southwest Virginia.  

Make sure patients are up to date on their measles vaccine, especially before traveling this holiday season. Infants six through 11 months may receive an early dose of MMR vaccine before international travel or travel to an area experiencing an outbreak. 

Visit VDH’s Measles Information for Healthcare Providers for more information. 

Circulation of Drifted Influenza A (H3N2) Viruses 

A new influenza A(H3N2) virus subclade K was identified in August 2025. This virus has mutations that make it different from other A(H3N2) viruses, including the virus selected as the A(H3N2) component of the U.S. 2025-26 seasonal influenza vaccines.  

• Getting the seasonal influenza vaccine is still recommended. Early data from the UK show there is still good vaccine effectiveness against influenza-associated hospitalizations this season. 

• Continue to initiate prompt treatment with influenza antiviral drugs for patients who are hospitalized, have severe disease, or are at higher risk for influenza-associated complications.  

• Influenza vaccination continues to provide benefits, including when circulating viruses have drifted by protecting against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. They also protect against other circulating influenza viruses and slow overall community spread.  

• Check out the data: Respiratory Illness Dashboard. 

VDH Viral Gastrointestinal Illness Report  

The Office of Epidemiology’s Division of Surveillance and Investigation publishes a weekly Gastrointestinal Illness Report that provides statewide and region-specific data about norovirus activity in Virginia. Norovirus outbreaks are known to increase in the winter months with “norovirus season” typically recognized as lasting from November through April.  

For more information about norovirus, please refer to the VDH Norovirus Resources website.