Botulism

Botulism is a rare but life-threatening illness. It is caused by a toxin from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

This toxin can attack the nervous system (nerves, brain and spinal cord). It can cause paralysis (muscle weakness).

You can get botulism from:

• swallowing spores from the bacteria
• eating contaminated foods
• injecting drugs

Symptoms of botulism

Early symptoms of botulism include:

• feeling very tired
• weakness
• vertigo

This is usually followed by:

• feeling or getting sick (nausea and vomiting)
• stomach cramps
• diarrhoea or constipation
• blurred or double vision
• dry mouth
• trouble swallowing
• slurred speech
• breathing problems

A baby with botulism may also:

• have a weak cry
• find it difficult to feed
• have floppy arms, legs, head and neck

Without treatment, botulism can cause paralysis that spreads down your body from your head to legs.

Symptoms usually take 12 to 36 hours to appear after you come in contact with the toxin from the bacteria. But it can take up to 8 days for symptoms to appear.

In babies, symptoms may take up to 30 days to appear.

Causes of botulism

The Clostridium botulinum bacteria can be found all over the environment. For example, in soil, river or sea sediments.

The bacteria produces spores. Spores are a form of the bacteria that is not active and can survive in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures.

Bacteria spores can be found in:

• contaminated soil
• animal or human poo
• food, such as honey

These spores can grow and release toxins when they have no oxygen. For example, in closed cans, bottles or in your body.

These spores can be carried into your home on shoes or clothes, bikes, pushchairs and your pets, particularly reptiles.

They can be passed from your hands to your mouth. Your hands do not need to look dirty to carry them.

Reptiles and child safety

Types of botulism

There are 3 main types of botulism.

Infant botulism

Infant botulism happens when a baby swallows the bacteria spores. These spores can produce toxins in the baby’s bowel.

Infant botulism mostly affects babies under the age of 1.

These spores are usually harmless to older children and adults because the body develops defenses against them from about the age of 1.

Food-borne botulism

Food-borne botulism happens when someone eats food that already has the toxin from the bacteria.

This can happen if food has not been properly canned, preserved or cooked. The risk of this is slightly higher if you produce your own food.

Wound botulism

Wound botulism happens when a wound gets infected with the bacteria spores.

There is a risk of getting wound botulism if you inject drugs, such as heroin.

Reduce your risk of getting botulism

Botulism is rare in Ireland. But there are things you can do to protect yourself.

Preventing infant botulism

To reduce the risk of your baby getting botulism:

• do not give honey to babies under the age of 1
• wash your hands - especially after contact with animals or areas where they are kept and after changing nappies
• keep reptiles away from babies and young children, especially turtles - reptiles and child safety
• take off outdoor boots and clothes before entering your home - leave them in a separate area near the door
• clean dirty items before bringing them into your home - wash your hands afterwards

Preventing food-borne botulism

To reduce your risk of getting food-borne botulism:

• follow food safety recommendations - safefood.net
• do not eat food from bulging or damaged cans
• cook food properly before eating
• avoid eating preserved foods that smell bad
• avoid eating foods that are not stored at the correct temperature
• avoid eating foods that are out of date

Preventing wound botulism

To reduce your risk of getting wound botulism:

• clean wounds properly
• if you’re injecting drugs, be sure to do it safely - get help for drug use

Treatment for botulism

Botulism needs to be urgently treated in hospital.

How it's treated depends on the type of botulism. It usually involves killing the toxin in your body with a special medicine called an antitoxin.

You may need to use a breathing machine (ventilator) if you are having trouble breathing. If you are having trouble swallowing, you may need to get food and fluids through a drip.