Botulism
By, Kayla Drexler
What is Botulism?
Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The illness is caused by improperly canning foods at home.
Symptoms & Treatment
Symptoms include, double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. Treatment includes, antitoxins and being put on a ventilator of weeks or sometimes even months.
Statistics
140 cases in 2014.
It is a poison so you can not get from other people.
In WWII attempts were made to try to use botulism as a weapon.
Prevention
Don't eat preserved foods if the container is bulging.
Can low acidic foods at a higher temperature than high acidic foods.
Store oils infused with garlic in the refrigerator.
Avoid giving honey to infants under 1.
To prevent wound botulism never inject or inhale street drugs.