Infant botulism is an illness that can happen when a baby ingests (takes in) toxins from a type of bacteria. Babies with infant botulism (BAH-chuh-liz-im) can have muscle weakness, a weak cry, and trouble breathing. They need to be treated in a hospital.
Are there long-term effects of infant botulism?
It develops when a baby ingests C. botulinum spores, which are present in honey and soil. Infant botulism causes muscle weakness, which can lead to difficulty eating and breathing. If doctors catch infant botulism early, they can successfully treat it with no long-term ill effects for the child.
What signs symptoms would be associated with infant botulism?
Patients with infant botulism may present with some or all the following signs and symptoms:Constipation.Poor feeding.Ptosis.Sluggish pupils.Flattened facial expression.Diminished suck and gag reflexes.Weak and altered cry.Respiratory difficulty and possibly respiratory arrest.
How long does it take for infant symptoms of botulism?
Symptoms generally begin 12-36 hours after eating contaminated food, but may occur as early as a few hours and as late as 10 days. Symptoms of botulism in infants may occur up to 14 days later.
How long does it take to recover from infant botulism?
Average hospital stay for non-BabyBIG®-treated patients is approximately 5.7 weeks. In contrast, patients treated with BabyBIG® have an average hospital stay of approximately 2.3 weeks, and their recovery of strength, tone and movement occurs more rapidly.
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