Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the germ called Clostridium botulinum. If the toxin gets into your bloodstream, it can block the release of a signal between nerves and muscles, and this is actually what causes botulism. This affects the nerves that control muscles in the face, mouth, and throat, and may affect the ability to open your eyes, move your eyes, and swallow. If botulism is left untreated, it can paralyze your arms and legs, prevent you from breathing, and even kill you. Find out key facts about botulism and how to prevent it.
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Key Facts
Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness that often affects previously healthy people.
Botulism is caused by botulinum toxin, the most potent known toxin.
Clostridium botulinum can make spores and, under certain conditions that rarely occur, the spores can grow and make botulinum toxin.
Even taking a small taste of food containing botulinum toxin can cause botulism.
Kinds of botulism include foodborne, wound, infant, adult intestinal colonization, and iatrogenic.
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Protect Yourself from Botulism
Foodborne botulism is often caused by eating home-canned foods that have not been canned properly. Commercially canned foods are much less likely to be a source of botulism because modern commercial canning processes kill C. botulinum spores.
Botulism in Infants
We don’t know how most babies with infant botulism came into contact with C. botulinum spores, but we do know that these spores can be found in honey. Do not feed honey to children younger than 12 months because it has been linked to some cases of infant botulism.
Foodborne Botulism
Foodborne botulism can be caused by a food that is not prepared or stored properly. In Alaska, foodborne botulism is often caused by traditional Alaska Native foods, including fermented fish, because of the way these foods are sometimes prepared or stored.
Wound Botulism
Sometimes a wound can get infected with C. botulinum. The most common way this happens is when a contaminated illicit drug, such as black tar heroin, is injected into muscle or skin. Wound botulism also has been reported following traumatic injuries, such as motorcycle crashes and surgeries.
Botulism: Countering Common Clinical Misperceptions
Following all instructions for washing, cleaning, and sterilizing items used in canning
Using pressure canners for low-acid foods like potatoes, most other vegetables, and meats
Everyone can reduce their chances of getting foodborne botulism by:
Refrigerating homemade oils infused with garlic or herbs and throwing away any unused oils after 4 days
Keeping potatoes that have been baked while wrapped in aluminum foil hot (at temperatures above 140°F) until they are served, or refrigerating them with the foil loosened
Prevent wound botulism by keeping wounds clean and not injecting illicit drugs. If wounds appear infected, seek medical care quickly.
Honey can contain the bacteria that causes infant botulism, so do not feed honey to children younger than 12 months.
If you need an injection of botulinum toxin for a medical condition, your doctor will choose the safest dose. If you get an injection of botulinum toxin for cosmetic reasons, be sure to go to a licensed professional.
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