Norwegian BokmÃ¥l terms derived from Old Norse; Norwegian BokmÃ¥l terms inherited from Proto-Norse; Norwegian BokmÃ¥l terms derived from Proto-Norse; Norwegian BokmÃ¥l terms inherited from Proto-Germanic; Norwegian BokmÃ¥l terms derived from Proto-Germanic; Norwegian BokmÃ¥l terms inherited from Proto-Indo-European
Botulism is a serious, potentially fatal illness caused by a type of poison. The poison â known as botulinum toxin â is produced by a kind of bacteria. Botulinum toxin is the strongest poison known to science. Botulism is always considered a medical emergency. It can cause death by paralyzing the muscles people use to breathe.
Presenting symptoms include constipation, lethargy, a weak cry, poor feeding and dehydration. A high index of suspicion is important for the diagnosis and prompt treatment of infant botulism, because this disease can quickly progress to respiratory failure. Diagnosis is confirmed by isolating the organism or toxin in the stool and finding a classic electromyogram pattern.