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Botulism (food-borne botulism and infant botulism)

What is botulism? Botulism is a food poisoning caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. Only a few cases are reported in New York State each year.

Who gets botulism? Food-borne botulism is due to ingestion of a toxin formed in food. It often involves improperly processed home canned foods. Botulism in infants under one year of age has been associated with the ingestion of contaminated honey.

How is botulism spread? Person to person spread does not occur. A person must ingest contaminated food that has not been properly cooked or reheated after the toxin has been produced by the bacteria. With infant botulism, an infant must ingest bacterial spores and then produce the toxin in his/her gastrointestinal tract.

What are the symptoms of botulism? Blurred or Double Vision
General Weakness
Poor Reflexes
Difficulty Swallowing

How soon do symptoms appear? Symptoms of food-borne botulism usually appear 12-36 hours after ingestion, but may take several days. The incubation period for infant botulism is unknown.

What is the treatment for botulism? Hospital care is necessary. Antitoxin is given in certain cases of food-borne botulism, but not in cases of infant botulism.

What happens if botulism is not treated? Untreated botulism may result in death.

How can botulism be prevented? Identified 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 vendor.

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