What is the definition of Botulism?

Botulism is a severe, potentially deadly muscle-paralyzing illness caused by botulinum toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It's typically spread through improperly canned or preserved foods, contaminated wounds, or, in infants, by ingesting botulinum spores found in honey. Symptoms include muscle weakness and paralysis that starts in the face and spreads downwards, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and double vision.  

How it's caused

·         Foodborne botulism: occurs when you eat food contaminated with the toxin, most often from improperly home-canned foods. 

·         Wound botulism: happens when the bacteria enter a wound and produce the toxin. 

·         Infant botulism: affects babies under 12 months old, who can ingest the spores in honey and have them grow in their digestive systems. 

Symptoms