CDC says baby’s death linked to infected breast pump

WASHINGTON — Federal health officials are warning parents of newborns to sterilize tools used for both bottle and breastfeeding after a baby died last year from a rare infection linked to a contaminated breast pump.

The infant, a premature boy, was infected with the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii, the same germs that caused a recall and a nationwide shortage of powdered infant formula last year, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released Thursday.

But this baby’s infection was not caused by contaminated formula.

The infant, who was hospitalized, was fed a mixture of breast milk and liquid breast milk fortifier by tube. Genetic sequencing linked the infection to bacteria isolated from a breast pump used by the child at home. Samples of expressed milk, a hospital pump, and liquid breast milk fortifier were negative for bacteria.

The investigation revealed that the domestic breast pump was washed in a domestic sink, disinfected and sometimes collected while wet.

Dr. Julia Huston, a CDC pediatric infectious disease expert, said the case highlights that cronobacter bacteria are widespread in the environment and can lead to severe and fatal infections.

“There are steps people can take to prevent infections,” she said, including thoroughly washing, disinfecting, and drying hands, equipment, and all surfaces before feeding a baby.

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