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Four Texas babies have been treated for botulism after receiving honey-containing pacifiers bought in Mexico, health officials said. Now, Texas State Department health services are again reminding parents to avoid lollipops containing honey.
Infants, none of whom are related, were hospitalized between August and October.
Botulism is a serious disease that occurs when a toxin attacks the nerves. According to the health department, it can be difficult for babies to breathe and even cause paralysis or, in some cases, death.
Honey is problematic because it can contain bacteria that produce the toxin in the intestines of infants who eat it, health officials said. Once children have reached the age of one year, their digestive tract is sufficiently developed to prevent botulism bacteria from developing, according to the DSHS.
According to the Mayo Clinic, babies develop symptoms within 18 to 36 hours after the toxin enters their body. Signs of illness may include constipation, floppy movements, burrs, droopy eyelids, exhaustion, paralysis, or difficulty feeding. The cry of the child could be lower if he was sick.
The authorities want to remind parents that babies should not eat honey. This is a message that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been trying to spread for years.
"Texas has had seven to eight cases of infant botulism a year in recent years," writes the state health department in a statement. "Ten confirmed or suspected cases have been reported in 2018."
Honey filled lollipops are not common in the United States, although some online stores and retail outlets are still selling them.
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