West Virginia Department of Health and Human
Resources Information for the Public - Botulism
What is botulism?
Botulism is a rare
muscle-paralyzing illness caused by a nerve toxin produced by a bacterium
called Clostridium botulinum. There are three naturally occurring
kinds of botulism:
-
foodborne
botulism caused by eating toxin-contaminated
food. No instances of waterborne botulism have ever been reported.
-
wound
botulism caused by toxin production
in a wound infected with Clostridium botulinum. The botulinum
toxin does not penetrate intact skin.
-
intestinal
botulism caused by ingesting foods contaminated with spores of the Clostridium
botulinum. The spores grow and develop into the bacteria, which
release botulinum toxin in the intestines.
Inhalational
botulism is a man-made kind of botulism that results when the botulinum
toxin is distributed in an aerosol form, and is thought to be the most
likely form that would be used by bioterrorists. When aerosolized, botulinum
toxin is the most poisonous substance known.
What are
the symptoms of botulism?
Once botulinum
toxin is absorbed, either in the lungs or intestines, the bloodstream
circulates the toxin, delivering it throughout the body. The toxin acts on
the nerves that supply muscles, interrupting communication between the
brain and muscles. All forms of human botulism have virtually the same
symptoms:
-
Double
or blurred vision; drooping eyelids.
-
Slurred
speech; difficulty swallowing; dry mouth.
-
Muscle
weakness that begins at the shoulders and travels down the
body.
-
Paralysis
of muscles involved in breathing will cause a person to stop breathing
and die unless breathing assistance is provided.
How soon
after exposure would symptoms begin?
The speed at which
symptoms would occur and the severity of botulism is dependent upon the
amount of toxin absorbed.
-
Symptoms
of foodborne botulism typically begin within 12-72 hours but could be
seen as early as 2 hours or as late as 8 days after ingesting the
toxin.
-
An
accidental exposure to an unknown amount of aerosolized botulinum
toxin produced symptoms approximately 72 hours after inhalation
exposure.
Can
botulism be spread person to person?
Botulism
is not spread person to person.
How could
an intentional release of botulinum toxin be managed?
Early recognition
by physicians is key to managing this illness. Affected persons require
rapid administration of antitoxin. Patients with respiratory compromise
need respiratory support.
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