News has come in today that we are on the verge of a Botulism epidemic. Botulism is a very serious illness that can result in death if not treated properly or quick enough. It is cause by a soil dwelling bacterium call Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium, while normally killed during the process of cooking, can grow spores (WHO, 1999). Spores are formed when the bacteria are inhabiting an undesirable place. The bacteria typically grow comfortably in temperatures between 35-37 degrees Celsius, which is around body temperature (Merialdi et al., 2016). Due to the desired temperature for growth, if a bacterium gets into the human body it can flourish. However, they do require a lower pH than that of the human body so that is in our favor (Merialdi et al., 2016).
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These toxins are what causes the symptoms of botulism. Some symptoms to look for that indicate one might be infected are paralysis, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and cramps (WHO, 1999). In babies look for a weak cry, poor feeding, and a lack of movements (WHO, 1999). Treatment for botulism is mostly supportive, meaning 24/7 care in a hospital. There is an antitoxin that should be given as soon as the person realizes they do have botulism. Individuals with botulism are not contagious so there is no need for isolation. However, whatever food was consumed by someone that has been diagnosed with botulism should be promptly thrown out. Foods that have the chance of being improperly canned should also be gotten rid of. You will not be able to tell if a food is infected so it is best that self canned food is thrown away. As well, be sure to cook foods to the correct temperature. This will not kill any spores but it will destroy any bacteria on whatever it is you are cooking. If you are going to home can food, please properly do so using high enough temperature to kill the bacteria and destroy the
These toxins are what causes the symptoms of botulism. Some symptoms to look for that indicate one might be infected are paralysis, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and cramps (WHO, 1999). In babies look for a weak cry, poor feeding, and a lack of movements (WHO, 1999). Treatment for botulism is mostly supportive, meaning 24/7 care in a hospital. There is an antitoxin that should be given as soon as the person realizes they do have botulism. Individuals with botulism are not contagious so there is no need for isolation. However, whatever food was consumed by someone that has been diagnosed with botulism should be promptly thrown out. Foods that have the chance of being improperly canned should also be gotten rid of. You will not be able to tell if a food is infected so it is best that self canned food is thrown away. As well, be sure to cook foods to the correct temperature. This will not kill any spores but it will destroy any bacteria on whatever it is you are cooking. If you are going to home can food, please properly do so using high enough temperature to kill the bacteria and destroy the