Outbreak
OUTBREAK|
UPDATE 2: LEAD TOXICITY CASE COUNT INCREASED TO 52 CHILDREN (MOSTLY 1-4 YEARS OF AGE) ACROSS 25 STATES
Investigation Ongoing.
NOV 22, 2023
💬
Lead poisoning
Severity
52 children now reported sick with lead poisoning across 25 states. Cinnamon used in the products (sourced from Ecuador) linked to the contamination. Products are sold nationwide through various stores including Amazon and Dollar Tree. It's reported that the affected products are still on the shelves at several Dollar Tree stores in multiple states when they shouldn't be.
Who's At Risk?
Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status. Exposure to the substance can lead to developmental delays in children. Parents and caregivers of toddlers and young children who may have consumed affected products should contact their child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood test.
Symptoms
Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms. However, exposure to lead can seriously harm a child’s health and cause damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, as well as learning, hearing, speech, and behavior problems.