Botulism in Adults and Children

Alternate Names : Food Poisoning

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Foods should be preserved or home canned only by those who know how to prevent food contamination. Strict hygienic procedures should be followed when preparing and storing food. Pressure cooking at 116 degrees Centigrade (240.8 degrees Fahrenheit) can destroy the bacteria. Food containers that bulge should be discarded.

Infants under twelve months of age should never be fed honey, which can contain botulism spores.

Wounds should be carefully washed with antibacterial soap to prevent Clostridium botulinum infection. Injectable street drugs should not be used.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

If botulism is untreated, individuals can suffer paralysis or respiratory failure. Even with treatment, recovery can be long, especially with infant botulism. Individuals can suffer complications from the paralysis, such as pneumonia or other infections.

What are the risks to others?

Botulism is not spread from person to person.