California program sends birthday cards to babies treated for botulism
Associated Press News • • health
Key Points:
- California's Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, the only source of the BabyBIG treatment worldwide, annually sends hand-decorated birthday cards to about 200 babies recovering from infant botulism, offering emotional support to families.
- The program treats a rare but serious condition caused by botulism spores germinating in infants' intestines, with death rates dropping from 90% to less than 1% due to the BabyBIG IV medication derived from immunized adult plasma.
- The program has become a vital support network for families, connecting nearly 1,500 families across decades, sharing milestones and providing community, a legacy continued from the late Dr. Stephen Arnon who helped identify and treat infant botulism.
- Parents
