Botulism: Everything You Should Know - Definition, Symptoms & Treatment

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The botulism outbreak was traced back to a homemade food source during a dinner potluck.

A homemade canned-food was listed as the cause of the botulism outbreak in an Ohio Church potluck, which left one dead and sickened 28 others, according to The Hoops News. 

The Ohio Department of Health said last Friday that there is one confirmed case of botulism and another 28 people are suspected of having it at the Cross Point Free Will Baptist Church's potluck last weekend in Lancaster, according to CBS News. There were about 50 to 60 people during the dinner including 10 children.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent a botulism antitoxin to treat those infected with the bacteria.

What is botulism?

Botulism, also known as botulinus intoxication, is a serious illness caused by a bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis. According to Medical News Today, there are four ways you can contract the toxin:

Infant Botulism - This is when the bacterium is present in the infant's digestive tract due to exposure by consuming the spores of the bacterium

Adult Botulism - This is similar to infant botulism.

Foodborne Botulism - This is due to eating foods that contain the botulinum toxin.

Wound Botulism - This is due to the toxin contaminating the wound.

Any and all types of botulism will lead to paralysis which is why it is regarded as a medical emergency. There may be respiratory failure when the toxin paralyzes the breathing muscles in severe cases. According to the CDC, there are 145 cases reported each year. Majority is due to infant botulism with 65 percent, then wound botulism with 20 percent, and then foodborne with 15 percent.

What are the symptoms of botulism?

The symptoms of muscle paralysis due to botulism include double and blurred vision, slurring, drooping eyelids, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness.

Foodborne botulism can cause diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and nausea.

 Infants with the toxin exhibit lethargy, lack of appetite, constipation, and weakness.

When symptoms are left untreated, this may cause paralysis to the arms, legs, trunk, and respiratory muscles.

For foodborne botulism, symptoms can show up 18 to 36 hours after ingesting contaminated food. The symptoms can also occur six hours early or ten days late, according to the CDC.

What is the treatment for botulism?

Infants and individuals with foodborne and wound botulism are to be hospitalized. Those suffering from respiratory conditions due to the toxin will be on a breathing apparatus. Wounds will be treated surgically to remove the bacteria and then followed by antibiotics.

An antitoxin is used to treat botulism because it stops the toxin from circulating around the body via the blood. If the medicine is administered before paralysis, it may prevent the condition from worsening or speed up recovery.

Antitoxin for infants, older children, and adults is available through the CDC.