Botulism

Summary

Botulism is a rare but serious illness. The cause is a toxin (poison) made by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. It occurs naturally in soil.

There are several kinds of botulism. Foodborne botulism comes from eating foods contaminated with the toxin. Wound botulism happens when a wound infected with the bacteria makes the toxin. It is more common in heroin users. Infant botulism happens when a baby consumes the spores of the bacteria from soil or honey. All forms can be deadly and are medical emergencies.

Symptoms include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. Treatment may include antitoxins, intensive medical care, or surgery of infected wounds.

To prevent botulism:

• Be very careful when canning foods at home
• Do not let babies eat honey
• Get prompt medical care for infected wounds

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Specifics

• About Botulism Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Start Here

• Botulism Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Botulism Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Patient Handouts

• Botulism Medical Encyclopedia
• Infant botulism Medical Encyclopedia

Children

• Botulism American Academy of Pediatrics
• Infant Botulism (For Parents) Nemours Foundation

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Botulism National Institutes of Health

Find an Expert

• Food and Drug Administration Food and Drug Administration
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Related Issues

• Home Canning and Botulism Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Statistics and Research

• National Botulism Surveillance Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Botulism Surveillance Summary, 2018 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Journal Articles

• Botulism