Active Public Health Outbreaks in Vermont
Deep Research Report • November 30, 2025
Critical Alert
Infant Botulism
Linked to formula recall. Confirmed cases in VT.
Active Outbreak
Pertussis
Rising cases in Washington & Lamoille counties.
Elevated Surveillance
Respiratory Viruses
COVID-19 & Norovirus wastewater levels rising.
Critical Alert: Infant Botulism Outbreak
As of late November 2025, Vermont is part of a multistate investigation into an outbreak of infant botulism linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) issued a Health Advisory on November 14, 2025, following the recall of all ByHeart products.
- Scope: Vermont is listed among the 17 states reporting cases. Nationally, 37 infants have been hospitalized.
- Cause: Clostridium botulinum contamination in formula cans.
- Action Required: Immediate cessation of use of all ByHeart formula products (cans and single-serve packets).
- Symptoms to Watch: Constipation, poor feeding, "floppy" muscle tone, and weak cry.
Resurgence of Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Vermont is currently experiencing a significant uptick in Pertussis activity. A Health Advisory issued on November 17, 2025, highlighted a cluster of cases that has been growing since September.
Outbreak Statistics (Sept 1 – Nov 17, 2025)
Note: The majority of cases in the Washington County school outbreak are among unimmunized or incompletely immunized children.
Respiratory Virus Surveillance
While hospitalizations remain low, wastewater surveillance indicates rising viral activity in the community. This discrepancy suggests that while severe disease is currently contained, transmission is increasing.
| Pathogen | Activity Level | Trend (Nov 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Medium/High (Wastewater) | Hospitalizations low; wastewater levels elevated above national avg. |
| Norovirus | Medium | Steady increase in wastewater detections. |
| Influenza (Flu) | Low | Pre-seasonal levels; sporadic cases only. |
| RSV | Low | No significant onset yet. |
2025 Retrospective: A Quieter Year for Vectors
In stark contrast to the deadly 2024 season—which saw two human cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and one fatality—2025 has been notably quieter.
Measles
One confirmed case in March 2025 (Lamoille County). Successfully contained with no secondary transmission.
Mosquito-Borne Illness
Zero human cases of EEE or West Nile Virus reported in 2025 (as of Oct 16), following the high-risk summer of 2024.