Botulism is a medical emergency affecting the nerves leading to paralysis.

Causes

• Botulin toxin produced by bacteria called clostridium botulinum
• Food contaminated by the toxin
• Consumption of spores of the bacteria, mostly from honey
• Infection of wounds by the bacteria

Symptoms

• Muscle weakness
• Vision problems such as double vision and blurred vision
• Drooping eyelids
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Dry mouth

In case of infants:

• Constipation
• Poor appetite
• Overall weakness

Treatment

• Antitoxins can be used to treat it if detected early
• Enemas or induced vomiting may be required to empty the digestive system of the contaminated food
• Surgical treatment is used to remove bacteria from the infected wounds
• In severe cases of paralysis, ventilators and intensive medical care may be required

Prevention

• Do not feed honey to infants
• Treat wounds promptly and keep them clean
• Heat or boil canned food for atleast 10 minutes before consumption
• Take extreme care while canning foods at home
• Do not consume food from bulging cans