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1. What is botulism?

Botulism is a severe intoxication or food poisoning resulting from the ingestion of the toxin produced by the bacteria clostridium botulinum. Infant botulism results from the ingestion of the bacteria and subsequent production of the toxin in the infant's intestinal tract. Both forms are rarely reported in Memphis. In 1999, there was one reported case of infant botulism and no cases of foodborne botulism were reported.

2. Who gets botulism?

Anybody is susceptible to foodborne botulism. Infant botulism is most frequently seen before the age of six months, but all infants are susceptible.

3. How is botulism spread?

Foodborne botulism is acquired through the ingestion of the toxin in foods which were not properly canned or preserved, or which were not adequately cooked or reheated before eating. Most cases in the United States are due to home-canned fruits and vegetables. Infants develop botulism through the ingestion of food contaminated with the bacterial spores, which then produce the toxin in the gastrointestinal tract. Person-to-person spreading does not occur.

4. How can botulism be prevented?

Recognized sources of infant botulism, such as honey, should not be fed to infants. All canned and preserved foods should be properly processed and prepared. Bulging containers should not be opened and foods with off-odors should not be eaten or even tasted. Commercial cans with bulging lids should be returned unopened to the place where purchased.

5. What are the symptoms of botulism?

Foodborne and infant botulism produce symptoms that affect the nervous system. The symptoms of foodborne botulism include:

• Blurred or double vision
• General weakness
• Poor reflexes
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing

Infant botulism has a wide range of symptoms, including constipation, difficulty breathing, visual disturbances, poor feeding, weakness, and poor reflexes.

6. How soon after infection do symptoms appear?

Symptoms of foodborne botulism usually occur 12 - 36 hours after ingestion, but may take several days. The incubation period for infant botulism is not known.

7. How is botulism diagnosed?

The diagnosis is made by demonstrating the toxin in blood, stool, or the suspected food. Infant botulism can also be diagnosed by growing the botulinum from an infant's stool.

8. What is the treatment for botulism?

Supportive care in a hospital is almost always necessary. Antitoxin is given in certain cases of foodborne botulism, but not in cases of infant botulism.

9. What happens if botulism is not treated?

Untreated botulism may result in death.