What is botulism?

Botulism is a serious illness that causes paralysis (meaning that you can't move your muscles). It is caused by a toxin (poison) produced by the bacteria clostridium botulinum. The toxin can severely damage your nerves and can cause death.

Bacteria spores (cells) are present in soil, dust, and some foods. The toxin is sometimes found in food that has not been prepared safely.

Botulism is very rare. It usually affects one person each year in Australia.

What are the symptoms of botulism?

Botulism causes paralysis that moves down your body:

• It begins with weakness and dizziness.
• It then causes blurred vision, dry mouth and trouble swallowing and speaking.
• Next, your muscles become paralysed, moving down your arms.
• Finally, it can paralyse your breathing muscles and legs.

Other symptoms may include:

• constipation
• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain

Symptoms in babies can include:

• constipation
• weak cry
• weak suck and poor feeding
• floppy muscles and paralysis
• poor head control
• choking and trouble breathing

When should I call an ambulance or go to the emergency department?

If you think you may have botulism, go to your nearest emergency department. You will need to be admitted to hospital. If you are treated early, your symptoms may be less severe.

What causes botulism?

There are several types of botulism, which are spread in different ways. You can't catch botulism from someone else.

Foodborne botulism

This is caused by eating food that contains the toxin (poison). A food can become contaminated if bacteria in it produce the toxin, and the food is not cooked or heated enough to destroy it.

High risk foods include:

• fermented, salted or smoked fish or meat
• home preserved fruit and vegetables
• canned foods

Wound botulism

This can happen if spores of bacteria enter a wound (open sore) and produce the toxin there. The spores usually come from soil or gravel. It can also affect people who inject drugs.

Infant botulism

This can happen if a child swallows food (such as honey) or soil containing spores of bacteria. The spores grow in the child's gut and produce the toxin there. It affects babies under 12 months old.

Intestinal botulism

This is similar to infant botulism but happens in adults. It is rare because after one year of age, your gut has natural defence mechanisms. You might be at risk if:

• you have a weakened immune system
• you are taking antibiotics
• you have a bowel disease that affects the bacteria in your gut

How is botulism diagnosed?

Doctors may suspect you have botulism based on your symptoms. They can confirm the diagnosis by taking a sample of your blood or faeces (poo) to look for the toxin. Sometimes the toxin can be found in a food you have eaten.

How is botulism treated?

Treatment may include:

• botulinum immunoglobulin or antitoxin — these are medicines which can fight the toxin
• a ventilator to help with breathing
• intravenous (IV) fluids if you are not able to swallow
• medicines to make you vomit
• surgery for infected wounds

Can botulism be prevented?

There are some important food and hygiene rules to follow to help prevent botulism:

• Don't feed honey to babies under 12 months old. Be careful when you prepare and store food for babies.
• Take care when preserving food — follow instructions, use correct equipment and make sure food is properly cooked and containers are sterilised. Find out more about safe home canning.
• Throw away food that is expired, spoiled, foamy or smells bad. Don't taste food from cans and bottles that are damaged, dented or swollen.
• Store cold food below 5°C and keep hot food above 60°C. Foods should be cooked and reheated to an internal temperature of at least 75°C.
• Clean wounds with soap and water.
• Avoid injecting drugs. When injecting medicines for a diagnosed health condition follow instructions and use correct equipment.

Read more on food safety.

Resources and support

Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.

Visit Food Standards Australia New Zealand to find out more about safe food preparation.

Visit Food safety information council to learn more about how to handle risky foods.

The Queensland Government has information on how to keep your baby's food safe.