Disease Information
Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium
Clostridium botulinum.
There are three main kinds of botulism. Foodborne botulism is caused by eating foods that contain the botulism toxin. Wound botulism is caused by toxin produced from a wound infected with
Clostridium botulinum. Infant botulism is caused by consuming the spores of
Clostridium botulinum, which then grow in the intestines and release toxin. All forms of botulism can be fatal and are considered medical emergencies.
Disease Reporting
What is required?
Health Care Providers and Clinical Laboratories
Health care providers and clinical laboratories are
required by law to report cases and suspect cases of botulism to local health departments
immediately, day or night.
For Tribal and Local Public Health Authorities
See Also