Botulism is a rare but severe paralytic illness caused by neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. These toxins attack the body's nerves, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. It can affect people of all ages, typically through contaminated food, wounds, or in infants.
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Botulism was first linked to food poisoning, particularly sausages (hence its name from Latin 'botulus'). The causative bacterium, *Clostridium botulinum*, was discovered in 1895 by Emile van Ermengem following an outbreak. Its historical significance lies in identifying a potent neurotoxin and its role in food safety and preservation.
Botulism is not transmitted person-to-person. The primary routes include **foodborne botulism** (ingestion of pre-formed toxin in improperly processed or preserved foods, especially home-canned items), **wound botulism** (spores entering a wound and producing toxin), and **infant botulism** (ingestion of spores that germinate and produce toxin in the infant's gut, often from honey or soil).
Contagious Period: Varies by disease
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Foodborne botulism in the United States is a rare but serious illness caused by ingesting preformed Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin, typically from improperly processed home-canned foods. According to the CDC, the US reports an average of 15–20 foodborne botulism cases annually, often linked to homemade or fermented products.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
This event envelope contains reports on foodborne botulism clusters in Romania.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
An infant botulism outbreak has been reported. This condition is severe and potentially life-threatening for very young children, requiring immediate public health attention to identify the source and protect vulnerable infants. Parents should be vigilant about symptoms and known risk factors.
An ongoing botulism outbreak linked to ByHeart formula has sickened over 50 babies across 19 states. The FDA has reported this critical health threat. Parents should immediately check their formula and seek medical attention if their infant shows symptoms.
An urgent recall has been issued for specific olive oil products due to a confirmed threat of botulism contamination. Health authorities are advising consumers to be aware of this severe risk and take immediate action to avoid consumption of the affected product.
An unprecedented outbreak of infant botulism linked to ByHeart powdered infant formula resulted in 48 cases across 18 states from August to December 2025, representing the first documented foodborne outbreak of this disease in US history. Laboratory investigations confirmed Clostridium botulinum type A contamination. The contaminated formula was distributed online and nationwide (including Guam and Puerto Rico) and internationally to 21 countries, demonstrating the extensive reach of modern distribution networks and the risk of rapid, widespread exposure from a single contaminated product. This is the first confirmed outbreak of this illness associated with powdered formula in US history. All affected infants were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG. No deaths have been reported.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
This event envelope contains reports on botulism cases and clusters in Viet Nam.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Recalled tuna cans containing a 'potentially fatal' botulism warning were mistakenly shipped to consumers across nine states. Immediate public action is required to avoid consumption of the affected product.
A 10-month-old boy in Portland, Oregon, is battling infant botulism after consuming contaminated ByHeart baby formula, which was donated through a scheme assisting low-income and homeless families. Ashaan Carter has been hospitalised twice and remains reliant on a feeding tube following the dangerou... Source: The Independent - Read Full Article
The FDA said the findings are not yet conclusive, and the investigation into the contamination source is ongoing. Powdered whole milk used to make ByHeart infant formula could be the source of contamination that led to an outbreak of botulism that sickened dozens of babies. Testing by the U.S. Foo... Source: FOX 5 New York - Read Full Article
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View WHO Resources →Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-03
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