According to the CDC, 65 percent of botulism cases involve newborns or children under the age of one. Infant botulism is frequently caused by consuming foods infected with botulism spores or by exposure to polluted soil. Sugar and corn syrup are two examples of foods that might be contaminated. These spores can grow within a newborn child's digestive system and release the botulism toxin. Adults and older children have innate defenses that prevent tiny creatures from growing.
Botulism (or botulism harming) is a rare but very real illness that may spread by ingested food, contact with contaminated soil, or an open wound. Botulism can cause loss of movement, respiratory problems, and even death if it is not treated quickly. Infant botulism, foodborne botulism, and wound botulism are the three main kinds of botulism. The toxin produced by a particular type of bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum is what causes botulism injury. Despite the fact that they are so abundant, these microorganisms only thrive in environments without oxygen. Some food sources, including those that are home-canned, provide a fertile environment for growth.
Six to ten days after the onset of the sickness, botulism's adverse symptoms may manifest. On average, symptoms of newborn and foodborne botulism appear 12 to 36 hours after consuming tainted food. Constipation, feeding issues, fatigue, irritability, drooling, drooping eyes, weak cries, lack of head control, and floppy growth owing to muscular weakness and paralysis are some of the early symptoms of newborn botulism. To sum up, we should exercise caution while providing our children with food and surroundings, especially when they are in the supplemental feeding stage. Botulism is typically easy to prevent. The following precautions can help you reduce your risk: cooked potatoes covered in aluminum foil can create an environment where botulinum can thrive without air. Keep them hot or put them in the fridge right away. Foods can be boiled for 10 minutes to completely destroy the botulinum toxin. Generally speaking, you shouldn't provide honey or corn syrup to a baby since they may contain Clostridium botulinum spores.
PDO I Ayesa Gay A. Bejerano, RND
References:
About Botulism
https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/general.html#:~:text=Botulism%20(%E2%80%9CBOT%2Dchoo%2D,butyricum%20and%20Clostridium%20baratii%20bacteria.
Botulism
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/botulism/symptoms-causes/syc-20370262
https://www.healthline.com/health/botulism
