News about infant formula recalls and food safety concerns can raise questions about infant botulism and how to protect your baby. While infant botulism is rare, it can be serious. Knowing the symptoms and prevention steps can help families act quickly if concerns arise.
What is Botulism?
Botulism is a serious illness caused by ingesting bacteria of the genus Clostridium, including Clostridium botulinum, and their toxins. This bacterium attacks the body’s nerves.
Botulism Symptoms
Symptoms of botulism can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Double or blurry vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Difficulty moving eyes
- Slurred speech
These symptoms can be harder to recognize in babies. More noticeable signs of botulism symptoms in infants include:
- Constipation
- Poor feeding, including weaker sucking or choking
- Pupils that are slow to react to light
- Less expressive facial movement
- Inability to lift the head or use other muscles
- Weak cry that sounds different than usual
Botulism is a medical emergency and can be fatal. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms.
Types of Botulism
There are five types of botulism:
Infant botulism
Infant botulism occurs when spores get into and grow in an infant’s intestines, producing botulism toxins inside the body.
Infant botulism is defined as occurring in babies under one year old, but about 95% of cases occur in infants younger than six months.
Adult intestinal toxemia
Also known as adult intestinal colonization, this is the rarest type. It occurs in a similar way to infant botulism, but in adults. People with gut health complications are at higher risk.
Foodborne botulism
Foodborne botulism occurs when food contaminated with botulism toxin is ingested. Improperly canned, preserved, or fermented foods are the highest risk for contamination.
Common symptoms of foodborne botulism include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
Wound botulism
Wound botulism occurs when an open wound becomes infected with spores that produce toxin. Those at higher risk include people who inject illicit drugs, experience traumatic injury or undergo surgery.
Iatrogenic botulism
Iatrogenic botulism occurs when too much botulinum toxin is injected into the skin. It can also occur if the toxin is injected improperly or is counterfeit. This toxin is used in cosmetic and medical procedures, including wrinkle reduction, migraine treatment, and other conditions.
What Parents Should Do If They Suspect Infant Botulism
If your infant shows symptoms of botulism, contact a healthcare professional immediately. Symptoms can develop gradually, so trust your instincts if something seems unusual.
If you believe your baby may have been exposed through food, formula or another product:
- Keep the product and packaging if possible
- Take a photo of the lot number and expiration date
- Label the product “DO NOT USE”
- Follow guidance from your healthcare provider or local health department
Clean any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the suspected source to reduce the risk further.
Botulism Risks for Babies
Infant botulism is different from adult botulism. Those older than one year typically get sick from eating the toxin, not the bacteria. Infant botulism happens when babies ingest the bacteria, which then produce toxin inside the baby’s body.
Because of this, symptoms may appear more slowly and gradually than in many adult cases.
Honey and Infant Botulism
Honey is the most common known cause of infant botulism. Do not give your baby honey during the first year, including cooked or pasteurized honey products.
Some infants have developed botulism from very small exposures, including a drop of honey on:
- A nipple during breastfeeding
- A pacifier
- A bottle nipple
Guidelines for Infants
Infant botulism is highly treatable when recognized early. Your healthcare provider may perform:
- A physical exam
- A neurological exam
- Lab testing
- Stool testing
Physicians may begin treatment before confirming the diagnosis to support the best outcome.
Treatment for infant botulism is different from other types. Providers may administer an antitoxin called botulism immune globulin (BabyBIG) through an intravenous (IV) line. An IV is a thin tube that delivers medication into the bloodstream.
Recovery and Pediatric Care at TMH
A hospital stay is common for infant botulism. Your baby may remain admitted for a few days to several weeks during recovery. Some infants may need physical therapy to regain muscle strength.
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) is home to the Children’s Center, a 23-bed inpatient pediatric unit featuring a family room, treatment room, play room and the region’s only pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The PICU provides specialized emergency care for children while supporting the entire family.
TMH’s pediatric care team includes:
- Pediatric nurses
- Patient care assistants
- Pediatric pharmacist
- Music therapists
- Animal therapy teams
At TMH, we hope your family never needs emergency care—but if you do, we’re here for you, with a pediatric team ready to provide the support, treatment, and compassion your child deserves.
Botulism is a medical emergency. If you suspect your baby or child may have botulism, go to the nearest emergency room right away.
