infection

Botulism

Botulism is a rare and potentially fatal illness caused by botulinum toxin, which is produced by the Clostridium botulinum. The disease begins with weakness, blurred vision, , and trouble speaking. This may then be followed by weakness of the arms, chest muscles, and legs. Vomiting, swelling of the , and may also occur. The disease does not usually affect consciousness or cause a fever.

Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.

Symptoms — what it feels like

·Weakness, trouble seeing, feeling tired, trouble speaking

Causes — why it happens

·Clostridium botulinum

How it's found

·Finding the or their toxin

Prevention

·Proper food preparation, no honey for children younger than one

Treatment

·Antitoxin, , mechanical

Complications

· failure

Outlook

·~7.5% risk of death

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Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.