State Department Health Services in Texas warns parents of honey-filled lollipops purchased in Mexico after four infants have been treated for botulism.(Photo: Pekic, Getty Images)

TEXAS – After four infants in Texas have been treated for botulism, Texas State Department Health Services warn parents and other adults do not give babies lollipops containing honey.

Health officials said that each infant received a lollipop containing honey purchased in Mexico.

On Friday, the state's DSHS announced that the four diseases had occurred from mid-August to the end of October and had brought the four infants to be hospitalized for vital treatment.

The babies were not related and resided in western Texas, northern Texas and southern Texas.

Botulism is a serious disease caused by a toxin that attacks the nerves of the body. The toxin can cause breathing difficulties, paralysis and even death. Honey could contain bacteria that produce the toxin in the intestines of infants who consume it, according to health officials.

At the age of 12 months, health officials say they have developed enough other types of bacteria in their digestive tract to prevent the botulism bacteria from growing and producing the toxin.

On Friday, DSHS also issued a health alert asking health care providers to monitor cases of infant botulism and remind parents not to let babies eat honey. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics have long advised against consuming honey in children under 12 months of age.

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According to a ministry press release, honeyed lollipops are not commonly sold in the United States, but may be available in some specialty stores and at online retailers. Although most products are not designed for honey consumption, some would have had a small hole so that a child could eat honey or the lollipop could break or leak accidentally.

Parents should also avoid lollipops containing any other food substance because they could also pose a botulism risk, DSHS said.

Texas has reported seven to eight cases of infant botulism each year in recent years. Ten confirmed or suspected cases were reported in 2018.

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