Health and Me had previously reported on the recall of ByHeart Baby Formula after 10 US states reported 13 cases of infant botulism after its use. Ever since the botulism outbreak, two more cases of infant botulism was reported, making the outbreak across 12 US states, as confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), US's advisory.

As of now, a total of 15 cases of infant botulism has been reported, confirmed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US.

FDA in its advisory said, "For 14 cases with illness onset information available, illnesses started on dates ranging from August 9 to November 10, 2025. All 15 infants were hospitalized."

From the information available, of the 14 infants, the age ranged from 16 days to just over 5 months, and half of them were females. The FDA confirmed that the infants who fell ill were all fed ByHeart Whole Nutrition powdered infant formula.

The multistate outbreak is now being investigated by FDA, CDC, and California Department of Public Health Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, and other state and local health authorities, the advisory stated. On Tuesday, ByHeart informed that the company is expanding its earlier recall in order to include all batches of the baby formula and the Anywhere Pack single-serve sticks nationwide.

"The safety and well‑being of every infant who uses our formula is, and always will be, our highest priority. This nationwide recall reflects our commitment to protecting babies and giving families clear, actionable information. Alongside this recall, we are conducting a comprehensive investigation to do our part to get the answers parents expect and deserve," said Mia Funt, the president and co-founder of the company.

What Is Infant Botulism?

Most common form of all botulism in babies, who are between 2 to 8 months old. It happens when the bacteria spores grow in a baby’s intestines and produce the toxin. Honey and contaminated soil can be sources of infant botulism. Adults can also get this type, though it’s rare.

What Are The Symptoms Of Botulism In Infants?

As per CDC, the symptoms include:

• Most infants with infant botulism will initially develop constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, and difficulty swallowing
• If untreated, infants with infant botulism experience a progressive flaccid paralysis that can lead to breathing difficulties and required weeks of hospitalization.

States Hit By Infant Botulism Outbreak:

As per the FDA advisory, here is the list of states affected by infant botulism:

1. Arizona
2. California
3. Illinois
4. Kentucky
5. Minnesota
6. North Carolina
7. New Jersey
8. Oregon
9. Pennsylvania
10. Rhode Island
11. Texas
12. Washington

The company ByHeart Inc's two lots of Whole Nutrition Infant Formula has been recalled, the lots are:

• Lot: 206VABP/251261P2 ("Use by 01 Dec 2026")
• Lot: 206VABP/251131P2 ("Use by 01 Dec 2026")

What Parents Should Do?

As per the FDA advisory, parents and caregivers should stop using any ByHeart infant formula products immediately. Furthermore, the advisory notes:

• If your child consumed ByHeart formula and is experiencing symptoms (see below) seek immediate medical attention.
• If your child consumed ByHeart formula and is not currently showing symptoms, continue monitoring them and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
• If you still have the formula in your home, you should:

•keep the container in a safe spot and be sure to label that product as DO NOT USE.

•If your child develops symptoms your state health department might want to collect your formula container for testing. If your child does not develop symptoms after 30 days, throw your containers out.

Every year on November 12, World Pneumonia Day is observed. This day aims to spread awareness and educate people to combat Pneumonia disease, which is world's biggest infectious killer of adults and children, especially those below five years.

What Is Pneumonia?

It is an inflammatory respiratory disorder caused due to bacteria, viruses or fungal infections which impair the air sacs of the lungs, called alveoli. It happens due to the accumulation of fluid or pus in the air sacs, making breathing difficult. It is a contagious disease and could be fatal for the person with weaker immunity.

World Pneumonia Day 2025 Theme

This year, the theme for World Pneumonia Day 2025 is 'Child Survival'. This theme recognizes pneumonia as the leading infectious cause of death in children. Dr Raja Dhar, Director and HOD Pulmonology at CMRI Kolkata says, "Pneumonia continues to be a silent killer that claims over 2.5 million lives every year worldwide — with more than half a million of these deaths occurring in children under the age of five."

However, he also notes that this disease also poses a grave threat to older adults.

The theme draws attention to the heartbreaking truth that pneumonia continues to claim the lives of thousands of young children each year—even though it’s both preventable and treatable. It calls on families, communities, and leaders to unite in ensuring every child has access to good nutrition, clean air, vital vaccines, and timely medical care. The message is clear and deeply human: no child should die from a disease we can prevent.

History of World Pneumonia Day

World Pneumonia Day was first observed on November 12 2009, under the 'Stop Pneumonia' initiatives by the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia. This was a coalition of various institutions all together to fight the child mortality due to the respiratory infection.

Importance of Pneumonia Day

One of the most important significance of Pneumonia day is to spread awareness of the condition, especially early recognition, so it could be treated timely. Dr Dhar points out that early recognition and timely treatment could save lives.

"Prevention remains our strongest weapon. Regular hand hygiene, avoiding smoking, ensuring good nutrition, and staying up to date with pneumonia and influenza vaccinations—especially for children, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses—can drastically reduce risk," says Dr Dhar.

As the doctor suggests that this day helps us remember that protecting the lungs is equivalent to protecting life. "Seek medical help early for any signs of lung infection, and take proactive steps to safeguard your loved ones, especially the very young and the elderly, from the dangers of pneumonia," says the doctor.

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Pneumonia?

• Persistent cough (with phlegm or mucus)
• High fever and chills
• Chest pain while breathing or coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue and weakness

How Can You Prevent Pneumonia?

The best ways to prevent pneumonia are:

• Vaccination: get vaccination against flu, pneumococcal infections, and COVID-19
• Good Hygiene: wash hands regularly. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends washing hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs, and to apply enough soap to cover all hand surface.
• Healthy Lifestyle: maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate rest
• Avoid smoking
• Eat healthy

Sally Kirkland, 84, dies days after entering hospice. The Oscar nominee actor had entered the hospice care in Palm Springs and the news was confirmed by her rep Michael Greene.

She had endured "a challenging few months", as confirmed by her organizer, and a post from November 7, from her account read: "Thank you for all your love and support. Sally is grateful for your kindness and love. Sally is on hospice now and is resting comfortably. Please hold and send the light for Sally." This was in response to her GoFundMe page, which she had started after her medical bills costed her over what her insurance could cover.

A Long Battle Of Health Crisis

On October 2, an update read: "Hi: Sally sends her love to everyone. It has been a challenging few months for Sally as her health continues to struggle. She had a fall in the shower, when she was left unattended, injuring her ribs and foot, along with cuts and bruises. Sally is now receiving 24/7 care in a specialized facility that is providing wonderful safety and care. We are continuing to raise money to cover the gaps between income and care costs. Thank you for all the love, support, and care for Sally."

Sally's fundraiser was created in November 2024, after Sally "fractured her four bones in neck, right wrist, and her left hip" and while she was recovering, she had developed "two separate life-threatening infections". Her medical bills would mount more than her insurance could cover.

She also created a video shortly after her GoFundMe account was made where she thanked everyone who donated. "Everyone, I just wanted to thank you for sending me your love and your light and helping me get through this, day by day, helping me with my GoFundMe page. It really touches my heart. [I] really feel your love."

The Impact She Left

After the news of her demise, fans have shared tributes online. One user wrote: Devastated to hear of Sally Kirkland's passing. She was an indelible character actor and red carpet icon who was never anything short of memorable. Her awards season campaign for Anna, a powerhouse performance all should see, will always be the greatest.”

“A fantastic, underrated actress. She'll be deeply missed,” wrote another.

She earned an Oscar nomination for her titular character in Yurek Bogayeviczs's Anna (1987).

What Is A Hospice?

Hospice is a specialized care focused on the comfort and quality of life for people with serious illnesses near the end of life. This happens typically when a cure is not possible. It provides physical, emotional, and spiritual support for the patient, as well as for their family. The hospice also aims to manage pain and symptoms, rather than focusing on life-prolonging treatments. This care can be provided at home, in a hospice center, a hospital, or a nursing home. One of the key reasons why patients who have a degenerative condition choose hospice is because of the patient-centric care that it provides.

Paris Jackson, the 27-year-old daughter of the late Michael Jackson opened up about drug earlier indulgence in drugs. In a TikTok video, she showed off her 'perforated septum'. She said, "I have a really loud whistle when I breathe through my nose. And that is because I have what is called a perforated septum," she explained, noting it’s "slightly different from a deviated septum."

She said this happened from drugs and said in her video "That is from what you think it's from. Don't do drugs, kids."

Paris Jackson shared with her fans about her six-year achievement of staying sober, however, she says that she still lives the consequences. However, she notes that she currently does not plan to undergo surgery to fix her nose, because "you have to take pills when you have a surgery that gnarly."

Perforated Nose From Drug Use

This is commonly called the Coke Nose. A 2013 study from the Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology states that perforation of the nasal septum is an uncommon condition. When it occurs, its cause is most often idiopathic or traumatic. Nasal septum perforation may also be the presenting sign of drug addiction or a potentially life-threatening or serious systemic illness, even in an asymptomatic patient. This happens due to intranasal drug abuse, common with cocaine, heroin, and other opioids.

What Is A Coke Nose?

It is a colloquial term used for the nasal damage caused by prolonged cocaine use. Damage can range from mild to severe, leading to conditions such as a deviated septum, a perforated septum (hole in the nose from coke), or saddle nose deformity. People who inhale its vapors (known as freebasing) or snort cocaine through their nose put themselves at risk for the following conditions.

Chronic nasal insufflation (snorting) of cocaine often causes recurrent, painful sinus infections. This is particularly severe in users with damage like nasal perforations, or a palatal perforation (a hole between the mouth's roof and nasal cavity).

The persistent damage and irritation enable bacteria or fungus to colonize the sinuses. Such infections can be serious, potentially increasing tissue loss, causing deformities, and leading to life-threatening conditions.

Chronic cocaine use can cause septal perforations in the nose and may also lead to a hole (perforation) in the oral palate. This perforation connects the mouth and nasal cavity, causing food and drink to leak into the nasal area. Since the nasal cavity cannot properly process food remnants, these remnants often get stuck in the sinuses, significantly increasing the risk of sinus infections and related issues.

What Are The Common Symptoms Or Signs Of Coke Nose?

• Frequent nosebleeds
• Frequent runny nose
• Recurrent sinus infections
• Difficulty breathing
• Sleep apnea
• Noisy breathing
• Nose deformity

Can Coke Nose Be Treated?

Fortunately, many long-term effects of drug abuse are reversible or treatable. However, long-term resolution for conditions requiring surgical options, such as saddle nose correction or correction of septal or palatal perforations, depends entirely on the cessation of cocaine use.