MONTGOMERY-The Alabama Department of Public Health is participating with other local, state and federal health agencies in an investigation of a dietary supplement product following the death of a premature infant in Connecticut from gastrointestinal (GI) mucormycosis.
The infant had received ABC Dophilus® Powder, a dietary supplement product containing viable microbial ingredients purchased from Solgar, Inc., Leonia, N.J. The product claimed to have “probiotic” properties and is marketed for infants and children.
A Health Alert Notification is being sent to Alabama health care workers in neonatal intensive care units, hospital pharmacies, pediatricians and primary care providers, as well as to microbiology and pathology laboratories.
Mucormycosis is a rare infection caused by mold. GI mucormycosis is a very rare manifestation of this disease and occurs when mucormycosis involves the GI tract causing signs and symptoms such as the following:
*Abdominal pain
*Abdominal distension
*Nausea
*Vomiting
The Alabama investigation began after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was notified of the death of the infant who had ingested the contaminated product. The FDA listed Alabama as being one of the states that received this product.
Anyone who has used the product and has developed symptoms is asked to contact FDA MedWatch and the Alabama Department of Public Health. This investigation is still very early and rapidly evolving. Information is subject to change.
MEDIA RELEASE/ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH/Mary McIntyre, M.D., M.P.H., (334) 206-5971
