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What is Botulism?

Botulism, a disease only known of since the early 18th century, is a dangerous and often fatal disease caused by the neurotoxin bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. The bacterium causes a nerve paralysis and prohibits the muscle from contracting. Because of this it is a difficult disease to recover from and takes a lengthy recovery period. Although there are up to six ways for botulism to manifest itself in a human being, three are rarely seen. The remaining three (food borne, wound botulism and infant botulism) are the forms of botulism that are a risk today.

A botulism outbreak is a public-health emergency that is reportable to the U.S. government.
MedicineNet

MedicineNet says that botulism is one of the most deadly toxins known and it only takes one nanogram per kilogram to kill an individual. It further states that the belief is that one gram would potentially end the lives of over one million people.

Symptoms of Botulism

The classic symptoms of botulism include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. The doctor’s examination may reveal that the gag reflex and the deep tendon reflexes like the knee jerk are decreased or absent.
MedicineNet

Without treatment, the paralysis descends and gradually spreads throughout various muscle groups, including the muscles responsible for breathing. The treatment is with a botulism antiserum or antitoxin. Recovery usually takes weeks to months and the patient may require a ventilator if the breathing muscles have been paralyzed. Long term effects may involve the respiratory system and may require therapy for years.

Prevention

As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; in this case it may be worth several pounds of cure. Cooking food adequately and handling food products is the basic way to prevent botulism. It is important to be aware of food recalls and to never eat the contents of a can that is bulging or misshapen.

Next > The Safe Disposal of Foods Contaminated with Botulism 

For More Information:

Botulism at MedicineNet

Botulism from The CDC

Botulism from The Mayo Clinic

Resources

  • RECALL ALERTS

    "Total Body Formula" and "Total Body Mega Formula"
    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers not to purchase or consume Total Body Formula in the flavors of Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar, or Total Body Mega Formula in the Orange/Tangerine flavor. The liquid dietary supplement products may cause severe adverse reactions, including significant hair loss, muscle cramps, diarrhea, joint pain and fatigue.
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    Canteloupe

    The current list of recalls in canteloupe is quite extensive and covers many brands and locations. If you purchase canteloupe in any form (cut, sliced, whole) you need to check the various announcements. The concern is about salmonella.

    Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of food-borne Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Individuals who have recently eaten cantaloupe and experienced any of these symptoms should contact their health care professional.

    Canteloupe Recall Information
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