Cronobacter are bacteria found naturally in the environment. Anyone can get an infection, but newborns are at highest risk of serious illness. Although rare, Cronobacter infections can be life-threatening for newborns because of the risk of sepsis and meningitis. Infections in infants usually occur in the first days or weeks of life. Cronobacter can live in dry foods, such as powdered infant formula and has also been found on contaminated feeding items like breast pump equipment. To reduce the risk of infection in infants, feeding equipment should be thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and properly stored. Infant formula should be prepared and stored according to safety guidelines, and hands and food preparation surfaces should be kept clean at all times. 

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• Frequently Asked Questions 

• How to prepare and store powdered infant formula (Handout) English | Spanish 

• How to Prevent Cronobacter Infection in Infants (Video) English | Spanish 

• Preventing Cronobacter Infection in Infants (Vlog) English | Spanish