Cronobacter sakazakii (formerly known as Enterobacter sakazakii) is a type of bacteria that can naturally live in very dry places. For example, rarely it may be found in dehydrated products like infant formula, protein shakes, and powdered milk as well as common pantry items like herbal teas, and starches like potatoes and rice. It can also be found in sewer water.

Cronobacter infection isn’t common. Around two to four cases are reported to the CDC each year. This germ can cause people of all ages to get sick. But it’s especially deadly in newborns, older people, and those who have a weakened immune system.

Cronobacter can affect anybody. But it can cause life-threatening infections in:

If babies under 12 months are infected, it can cause symptoms like:

In some cases, it can cause seizures. If you notice any of these symptoms, get medical help right away.

In adults, the symptoms of a cronobacter infection can vary from person to person. But it generally causes diarrhea (loose poop) and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It can also cause problems in places where you might have scraped your skin, have cuts, or in places where you’ve had surgery.

In people who are 65 or older, or if your body can’t fight off infections, the germ is more likely to cause an infection in the bloodstream. In some people, the bacteria may grow (or colonize) but not cause any symptoms. In such people, the germ is usually found in their poop.

Once the germ enters your body, the incubation period can be as little as 6-8 hours. The incubation period is the time it takes for the germ to enter your body to when the symptoms start to show.

The bacteria can cause many types of infections. How serious it is will depend on your child’s age, health, and what part of the body it affects.

In babies less than 12 months of age, a cronobacter infection can cause:

Sepsis. It’s a serious infection in the bloodstream. It can cause symptoms like high fever, confusion, clammy or sweaty skin, or shortness of breath, among other things. Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you think your baby has sepsis, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital right away.

Meningitis. It’s a condition that causes the tissue around your brain and spine to swell. It’s most likely to happen to newborns who are 2 months old or younger. Cronobacter meningitis in young babies can lead to:

Meningitis is a deadly infection that may cause serious long-term brain problems in infants. In fact, around 4 in 10 babies who get cronobacter meningitis die.

Cronobacter is found naturally in the environment. But experts don’t know if it spreads from person to person. Though rare, it is most likely transmitted when someone does not thoroughly wash their hands or the items they are using.

In babies, the germ has been found in rare occasions in infant formula. In some cases, the powder might have been contaminated while it was being prepared in a factory, or the powder may have touched a bacteria-infested area. But it’s also possible for the bacteria to have gotten into the powder once you open it at home. For example, it might happen if you put the formula scoop or lid on the counter or sink, and it later touches the formula.

Babies have also gotten sick after they’ve had pumped breast milk because bacteria were found on the pump parts.

If you think you or your baby has a cronobacter infection, call your doctor right away. They’ll likely take a sample of blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and check for traces of the germ at a lab.

If your child has meningitis, they’ll also do brain imaging tests like an MRI to see if it caused brain abscesses or infarctions (death of tissue because of a blocked blood supply). If your doctor diagnoses your child with a cronobacter infection, in some states, they’ll have to alert the local or state health department.

In adults, cronobacter may be found around open wounds.

If your child has cronobacter-related sepsis or meningitis, they’ll be hospitalized right away. Their doctor will give your child a course of antibiotics right away to help their body fight off the infection.

Adults with UTIs and cronobacter-related wound infections are also given antibiotics. But if the bacteria are present but don’t cause any symptoms, you might not need any treatment.

To help prevent your child from getting cronobacter infection, you should:

Watch for any FDA recalls of formula products you use for your baby. If there has been a recall and you’re unsure if your product is contaminated, check the “lot number” listed on the packaging and search for it on the company’s website.

CDC: “Cronobacter,” “Cronobacter: Frequently Asked Questions,” “People at Risk,” “Signs and Symptoms.”

FDA: “FDA Investigation of Cronobacter Infections: Powdered Infant Formula (February 2022).”

Alabama Department of Public Health: “Frequently Asked Questions: Cronobacter.”

Frontiers in Pediatrics: “The Roles of Epidemiologists, Laboratorians, and Public Health Agencies in Preventing Invasive Cronobacter Infection.”

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