BOTULISM
WHAT IS BOTULISM?
Botulism is rare, but very dangerous. It is a bacteria toxin that attacks the nervous system and can cause difficulty breathing, paralysis and even death.
Most people who contract botulism must be hospitalized.
If you have signs or symptoms of botulism, go to the hospital or emergency room immediately.
Prevention
Botulism can be prevented with proper steps and care.
Foodborne Botulism
Toxins can be found in foods that have not been canned or processed properly, including home-canned, preserved, or fermented. It can occur in food not handled or stored properly.
Use pressure canners for vegetables and other low-acid foods
Wash, clean and sterilize canning tools
Keep oils infused with garlic or herbs refrigerated
Keep baked potatoes that have been wrapped in foil hot until served
Keep canned/pickled foods in the fridge after opening
Iatrogenic Botulism
Iatrogenic means an illness caused by medical examination or treatment.
You can avoid this type of botulism by only getting botulinum, also known as Botox, from licensed practitioners.
This includes injections for medical conditions and injections for cosmetic reasons.
Wound Botulism
Wound botulism occurs when spores get in an open wound and grow toxins. This can happen after traumatic injuries or surgeries.
You are also more likely to get wound botulism if you inject illicit drugs, like heroin.
It is important to watch for any signs or symptoms of infection when you have a wound that could be susceptible to botulism.
Adult Intestinal Toxemia
People with certain health conditions involving the intestines or gut may be at higher risk for a very rare type of botulism called adult intestinal toxemia.
This is a very rare condition, and the cause is not understood, but could be similar to infant botulism.
Infant Botulism
Infant botulism is the most common type of botulism in the U.S. Botulism is found in the soil, dust, and even inside homes on floors and counters. For unknown reasons, some infant botulism spores that get into the intestines of infants are able to grow and produce toxins.
Honey can contain botulism. Never give honey or honey products, including honey pacifiers, to children under the age of 12 months (1 year old).
Symptoms
Paralysis is a serious danger of botulism, and if left untreated can result in paralysis of major muscle groups, including those used to breathe. If you have signs or symptoms of botulism, go to the hospital or emergency room immediately.
General Symptoms
Paralysis typically starts in the face and progresses to other parts of the body. Symptoms include:
Difficulty breathing and swallowing
Droopy eyelids, blurry and or double vision, and difficulty moving eyes
Slurred speech
Muscle weakness
Foodborne Botulism Symptoms
Botulism caused by foodborne toxins include the general symptoms, as well as:
Stomach pain
Nausea
Vomiting and diarrhea
These symptoms usually appear 18 to 36 hours after infection.
Infant Botulism Symptoms
Botulism in infants include the general symptoms as well as:
Weak cries
Less facial expressions than normal
Constipation
Pupils that react slowly to light
Change in feeding
Diagnosis & Treatment
If you think you have been exposed to botulism or are having symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Diagnosing Botulism
Because its symptoms are similar to other diseases, it can be difficult to diagnosis. Along with questions about your symptoms, doctors may need to perform additional tests, like brain scans, spinal fluid tests, and nerve/muscle function tests, to rule out other diseases.
If botulism is suspected, you will need a laboratory test to determine the presence of toxins. This is the only way to determine for certain that you have botulism.
Antitoxin
If you are diagnosed with botulism, you will be treated with a botulism antitoxin. This will stop the progression of the toxin and any further damage.
Any damage already caused by botulism will not be healed by the antitoxin, and you may be hospitalized for a long period of time to properly heal.
Paralysis caused by botulism heals slowly. You may need surgery to remove the source of the toxin or need to be treated with antibiotics.
Complications
Because botulism can cause paralysis of the muscles that help you breathe, even with antitoxin and medical treatment, people may die of respiratory failure.
Some people who survive botulism experience shortness of breath and fatigue for many years.
Bioterrorism Attack: Botulism
Botulism could potentially be used in a bioterrorism attack by releasing it into the food supply or air. Botulism is a very dangerous disease.
While there have been no cases of botulism being used as a bioterrorism agent in the U.S., it is important to know what to do to protect yourself and your family in the event of an attack.
Know the symptoms of botulism infection
Know each family member’s medical history
Make a family preparedness plan