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Step 1
Understand the group of bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum is found in soil. Of the seven types of botulism, there are four that cause illness in humans.
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Step 2
Find the CDC (Center for Disease Control) receives reports of about 110 cases each year in the United States, with the majority being infant botulism (see Resources below).
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Step 3
Take in the fact that the botulism toxin can cause paralysis and respiratory failure. It affects the nerves in all parts of the body.
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Step 4
Keep in mind that the botulism toxin can survive without oxygen. Many cases of foodborne botulism are from home-canned foods such as green beans and corn.
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Step 5
Identify symptoms of foodborne botulism as slurred speech, weak muscles, double vision, drooping eyelids, dry mouth and difficulty swallowing. Onset can occur within 6 hours or up to 10 days after ingesting the contaminated food.
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Step 1
Seek medical intervention immediately at onset of symptoms. Prompt medical care to treat botulism reduces the damage and alerts authorities of potential harm to others.
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Step 2
Obtain a definitive diagnose from a health care provider. A simple lab test can identify the presence of the C. botulinum toxin.
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Step 3
Use an enema to flush out your system as advised by your physician.
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Step 4
Realize wound botulism may require surgery to remove the infected tissue.
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Step 5
Prepare to use a ventilator if symptoms involve difficulty breathing. It can take as long as several weeks for the toxin to lose its grip on the body.
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Step 6
Understand an antitoxin is available to block the action of the bacteria. This stops the progression of the disease.
