Botulism facts for kids

Botulism is a rare disease caused by a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. You can get it from eating meat that is not cooked properly. Babies can get it as well as adults. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, difficulty talking and weakness of the facial muscles. Botulism toxin is a major ingredient in botox, a gel that relaxes the facial muscles to make people look younger.

Botulism is is transmitted through food containing endospores or through a wound.

Foods which have been improperly canned are responsible for 90% of the cases of botulism. Natural, unpasteurized honey has been known to transmit infection and intoxication with the pathogen and the neurotoxin.

Botulism is a neuroparalytic disease causing a flaccid paralysis; the neurotoxin blocks neurotransmitters. This results in an inability to contract muscles. The neurotoxin has been used medically in the management of severe pain by anaesthetists and also cosmetically to reduce wrinkles.

Images for kids

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  An infant with botulismː despite not being asleep or sedated, he cannot open his eyes or move; he also has a weak cry.

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  A photomicrograph of Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

See also

In Spanish: Botulismo para niños