Botulism is caused by a toxin made by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, and sometimes related bacteria, that can block nerve function and lead to paralysis. It most often happens from contaminated food, infected wounds, or in infants after swallowing spores from honey or soil.

Main causes

  • Foodborne botulism: eating food contaminated with botulinum toxin, often improperly canned, preserved, or fermented food.
  • Wound botulism: bacteria entering a wound and producing toxin there.
  • Infant botulism: a baby swallowing spores, sometimes from honey or the environment, which then grow in the intestines.
  • Iatrogenic botulism: too much botulinum toxin from a medical or cosmetic injection.

Why it is serious

Botulism is a medical emergency because the toxin can cause muscle weakness, trouble swallowing, breathing problems, and paralysis.

Prevention

  • Don’t give honey to babies under 12 months.
  • Use proper canning, storing, and heating methods for foods.
  • Get prompt care for infected wounds.

If you want, I can also give you the symptoms of botulism in a simple checklist.