Botulism
Savannah Alcorn
Description:
Food poisoning caused by a bacterium (botulinum) growing on improperly sterilized canned meats and other preserved foods.
Diagnosis
Special tests may be needed to exclude these other conditions. These tests may include a brain scan, spinal fluid examination, nerve conduction test and a Tensilon test for myasthenia gravis.
How is the disease transmitted?
Botulism is not transmitted person to person. It develops when a person ingests the toxin.
Relative Frequency:
In the United States only 35 to 40 cases per year.
Disease course:
It can happen at any age.
Treatment:
It depends on what botulism you have you will have to be hospitalized and monitored carefully