Botulism
Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulism is caused by eating foods that contain the botulism toxin. The botulism toxin is destroyed by high temperatures. If food is boiled for 10 minutes before eating this would ensure your safety from this illness
Manifestations: The classic symptoms begin 18 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food, but they can occur as early as 6 hours or as late as 10 days.
Symptoms of botulism include:
- double vision,
- blurred vision
- drooping eyelids
- slurred speech
- difficulty swallowing
- dry mouth
- muscle weakness
- muscle paralysis of the arms, legs, trunk and respiratory muscles.
Diagnosis and treatment: The toxin and the bacteria can be demonstrated in the contaminated food or in the stomach. Treatment is available.
Prevent botulism by:
- good kitchen hygiene
- ensure canned food has not been tampered with.
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