Botulism

What is botulism?

Botulism is a rare but serious illness that is caused by a toxin or bacteria. The toxin attacks nerves in the body, paralyzing the muscles and making breathing difficult. The toxin can also lead to death.

There are five main types of botulism:

• Foodborne botulism eating contaminated food that was improperly prepared and/or canned.
• Wound botulism wound infected by botulism bacteria.
• Infant botulism spores of the bacteria are ingested and produce toxins within the intestines.
• Adult intestinal toxemia rare health condition that produces toxin within the intestines.
• Iatrogenic botulism overdose of botulinum toxin injection.

How do people get botulism?

• Eating food that contains the toxin or bacteria (often improperly home-canned foods)
• Drinking certain kinds of homemade alcohol that was not safely prepared
• Botulism bacteria getting into wounds, or through Injecting certain illicit drugs such as black tar heroin
• Ingesting botulism spores in dust, soil or honey
• Getting botulinum toxin (Botox) injections

What are the symptoms of botulism?

• Double or blurred vision
• Drooping eyelids
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty swallowing
• Thick-feeling tongue
• Dry mouth
• Muscle weakness
• Infants may appear sleepy, eat poorly, are constipated, have a very weak cry and poor muscle tone.

If you or someone you know experience any symptoms of botulism, contact your doctor and go to the emergency room immediately.

How long after exposure do symptoms appear?

Foodborne botulism symptoms can begin 12 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food. In some cases, symptoms occur as early as 6 hours or as late as 10 days.

What is the treatment for botulism?

Doctors can treat botulism with a drug called antitoxin. Depending on the severity of botulism, hospitalization may be required.

What are the complications of botulism?

In severe cases, botulism may cause death. Some patients may experience breathing problems and need to be on a ventilator for weeks with medical care. Tiredness and shortness of breath may occur for years after exposure to botulism. In those cases, long term therapy may be needed.

How can botulism be prevented?

• Foodborne botulism: follow safe home canning instructions and proper food handling hygiene when prepping and storing low acid foods (asparagus, jalapenos, green beans, beets, corn, and potatoes).
• Wound botulism: keep wounds clean and quickly seek medical attention if wounds appear infected.
• Infant botulism: do not feed honey to infants less than 12 months old, as honey may contain spores of the botulism bacteria
• Iatrogenic botulism (caused by medical examination or treatment): have Botox injections done by a licensed practitioner.
• Adult intestinal toxemia: As the cause is uncertain, prevention is difficult.