How Dangerous Is Botulism?

 Posted on December 31, 2025 in Botulism

When you hear the term "food poisoning," you might think of salmonella or E. coli, which infect millions of people per year. However, not many people are familiar with botulism, which can come with life-threatening symptoms. If you fear that you have been exposed to this sickness, an Illinois food poisoning attorney can help you take legal action.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we investigate all kinds of food poisoning cases, from small luncheons to nationwide outbreaks. We will help you understand this illness and inform you of your options to seek payment for your damages.

How Common Is Botulism in 2026?

Botulism remains rare but serious in 2026. Most cases happen when people eat food that was not canned or stored safely. In the United States, fewer than 200 cases occur each year.

Outbreaks often involve home–canned vegetables or under-cooked garlic oil mixtures. Even though modern food safety rules help lower risks, simple mistakes in home kitchens or small food businesses can still cause problems. Because botulism grows in low-oxygen environments, it can appear in canned foods, vacuum-sealed packages, or certain preserved fish products. Proper heating and storage help prevent spores from turning into poison.

What Is the Mortality Rate for Botulism?

Thanks to better medical care, most people survive botulism today. Still, it can be deadly. Patients who get treatment — such as antitoxin therapy and breathing support — early have a much better chance of recovery.

Delayed treatment can allow the toxin to block nerves that control breathing, leading to life-threatening risks. Survivors may need weeks of hospital care and physical therapy to regain strength. That makes it crucial to spot symptoms fast and seek medical help without delay.

How Does Botulism Spread?

Botulism starts when bacteria called Clostridium botulinum grow and make a powerful toxin. This happens most often in food that is not heated enough to kill spores, then stored without oxygen. Homes that use pressure cookers or canning jars without following safety steps may unintentionally create a breeding ground for the bacteria.

Commercial food products must meet strict safety standards. However, small-scale producers sometimes slip up. Wound botulism can also happen if spores enter a cut or injection site, then grow in a low-oxygen wound. Whatever the source, once the toxin enters the body, it blocks nerve signals and causes muscle weakness.

Is Botulism Contagious?

Botulism is not spread from person to person. It happens when someone eats or breathes in the toxin made by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. You cannot catch it like a cold or the flu. Even if someone is sick with botulism, touching or being near them won’t give you the illness. The only way to get botulism is by swallowing or inhaling the toxin, or through a contaminated wound. Proper food handling, storage, and cleaning any cuts help prevent this rare but serious condition.

Signs That You May Be Infected With Botulism

Early signs of foodborne botulism usually begin 12 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food. Initial symptoms can include dry mouth, blurred vision, and difficulty swallowing. The face may feel weak or droopy, and speaking clearly can become hard.

As the toxin spreads, weakness may move down the body, making breathing difficult if the chest muscles weaken. Wound botulism shows similar signs but starts days after an infected cut. Because these symptoms mimic stroke or other illnesses, doctors run special tests on blood or stool to confirm botulism. Fast diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in preventing lasting harm.

How Is Botulism Treated?

The treatment for botulism poisoning can vary depending on the cause and severity of the bacterial infection. In the majority of cases, the doctor might prescribe a medication called antitoxin. This helps to block the toxin activity in the bloodstream, preventing it from causing any further damage. However, know that the antitoxin cannot heal or provide a cure for botulism. It only slows down the spread of the bacterial infection.

If you experience respiratory issues or are diagnosed with wound botulism, the healthcare provider may recommend hospital admission for effective treatment and care. You might also need surgery to remove the contaminated area of the wound. The doctor will then prescribe you antibiotics to prevent the bacteria from returning.

Are Infants at Greater Risk of Contracting Botulism?

Infants under one year old are at greater risk because their digestive systems are not fully developed. Honey and corn syrup can contain tiny spores of C. botulinum. In a baby’s gut, these spores can grow and produce toxins. That is why experts warn against feeding honey to infants under one year.

Symptoms in babies include constipation, weak cry, poor feeding, and floppy movements. Infant botulism often requires hospital care with antitoxin and breathing support. Most infants recover fully with proper treatment, but early medical help is essential to avoid serious complications.

What Should I Do if My Child Contracts Botulism?

If a child shows signs of botulism, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Early treatment with antitoxin can stop the toxin from causing more damage. Keep any suspected food or leftovers, and note when and where they were eaten.

Save any packaging labels or jars. This information helps doctors and health officials trace the source. After emergency care, speak with an attorney who handles botulism poisoning cases. A lawyer can explain your right to seek compensation for medical bills, long-term care, and pain and suffering.

In most cases, you have up to two years to file a food poisoning claim for botulism, under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Quickly gathering evidence like medical records, witness statements, and food samples can strengthen your claim and hold negligent parties accountable.

Contact an Illinois Botulism Poisoning Attorney

At Newland & Newland, LLP, our team is ready to help families affected by botulism poisoning. Call our Illinois food attorneys at 312-981-0409 to learn how we can guide you through each step. We offer free consultations, so don’t hesitate to reach out.