The Ministry of Health (MOH) said that infants who were admitted to the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) and National University Hospital (NUH) this month may have consumed the bacteria-tainted batch of Dumex infant formula.
The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) announced on Monday, Aug 21, that the Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria was found in samples of a batch of Dumex Mamil Gold Infant Milk Formula – Step 1 (850g).
While infections from the bacteria are rare, they can be fatal to infants when associated with serious infections such as meningitis.
According to a report by Todayonline, infants who may have received the milk formula are less than six months old and were admitted to KKH and NUH between Aug 1 and 20. The exact number of infants affected are unknown. Both hospitals are contacting their parents and caregivers.
No other public and private hospitals are known t0 be affected as of now.
An MOH spokesperson said the ministry is "closely monitoring the situation". There have not been cases of Cronobacter infection associated with consumption of formula milk reported this year.
MOH advised parents and caregivers of infants who have consumed the affected batch of formula to seek immediate medical treatment if their infant becomes unwell. Symptoms of Cronobacter infection include fever, crying, poor feeding or lethargy. Some may develop seizures.
The incubation period ranges from 4 to 9 days, but could be up to 21 days. The infection can be treated with antibiotics.