What Is Botulism Food Poisoning?

Botulism is a highly toxic, rare type of food poisoning (an average of 110 cases annually in the United States) caused by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. It is most commonly found in improperly preserved food products or in canned food products.

Symptoms in Adults

• Symptoms of botulism food poisoning can include dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, muscle weakness (particularly in the face) and possibly paralysis, double vision, difficulty breathing, speaking and swallowing.

Symptoms in Infants

• There is a specific, somewhat different set of symptoms in infants with botulism. These can include constipation (frequently the first to appear), fatigue, a weak cry, difficulty sucking, droopy eyelids, trouble breathing and muscle weakness or paralysis.

Incubation

• Symptoms of botulism food poisoning typically present themselves anywhere from 8 to 36 hours after the contaminated food is eaten.

Treatment

• Botulism requires immediate medical attention. Treatment is a botulinus antitoxin administered intravenously. Some patients will require temporary mechanical breathing assistance. Also, rehabilitation may be necessary to counteract the damage done to swallowing and speech functions.

Prognosis

• Untreated, botulism food poisoning is usually fatal. It may even be fatal with treatment, but usually immediate medical attention can prevent death.