May also be called: Foodborne Botulism; Infant Botulism; Wound Botulism Botulism (BAH-chu-lih-zum) is a rare but serious illness caused by poisons produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. More to Know Clostridium botulinum is a naturally occurring bacterium that can be found in soil and dust. When C. botulinum infects a person, it produces toxins (poisons) that cause nerves to function abnormally, leading to weakness and paralysis. There are three main types of botulism: Foodborne botulism occurs when someone eats food contaminated with the bacteria. This happens most commonly with home-canned foods that aren't prepared or stored properly. Wound botulism is when the bacteria infect a wound. This is most commonly associated with the use of injected illegal drugs like heroin. Infant botulism happens when a baby ingests C. botulinum spores, which can grow in the digestive system and produce toxins. Symptoms of botulism include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. In infants, symptoms include constipation, a flat facial expression, poor feeding, a weak cry, decreased movement, trouble swallowing, excessive drooling, muscle weakness, and breathing problems. If not treated, botulism can cause respiratory failure, paralysis, and death. Botulism is usually treated in a hospital with an antitoxin that blocks the toxins produced by the bacteria. In some cases, ventilators may be used to help with breathing. Keep in Mind Botulism can be fatal, so anyone who shows signs of the disease should receive immediate medical attention. Fortunately, botulism is extremely rare, with about 145 cases reported in the United States each year. With proper treatment, most people recover fully from botulism, but this can take several weeks or months. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Can I Feed My Baby Honey? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More A to Z: Botulism, Foodborne Learn about bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, and conditions that affect the nervous system. Read More A to Z: Botulism, Infant Learn about bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, and conditions that affect the nervous system. Read More A to Z: Botulism, Wound Learn about bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, and conditions that affect the nervous system. Read More Food Safety for Your Family Why is food safety important? And how can you be sure your kitchen and the foods you prepare in it are safe? Read More Infant Botulism Infant botulism can happen if a baby ingests bacteria that make toxins inside the body. Treatment can help a baby who gets it recover fully. Read More Food Safety Learn why food safety is important and how you can avoid the spread of bacteria when you are buying, preparing, and storing food. Read More Germs: Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, and Protozoa Germs are tiny organisms that can cause disease - and they're so small that they can creep into your system without you noticing. Find out how to protect yourself. Read More Food Poisoning The germs that get into food and cause food poisoning are tiny, but can have a powerful effect on the body. Find out what to do if you get food poisoning - and how to prevent it. Read More Food Poisoning Sometimes, germs can get into food and cause food poisoning. Find out what to do if your child gets food poisoning - and how to prevent it. Read More Food Poisoning Did you ever eat something that made you feel ooky? It might have been food poisoning. Read More Germs: Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, and Protozoa Germs are the microscopic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa that can cause disease. Read More What Are Germs? You know they can hurt you, but what are these invisible creatures? Find out in this article for kids. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.