Botulism
NOTE TO ALL HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS:
If you suspect that a patient is suffering with botulism, immediately call Acute Communicable
Disease Control to assist with diagnosis and implementation of therapy.
(213) 240-7941 (7:30AM-5:00PM, Mon-Fri)
(213) 974-1234 (After Hours, Emergency Operator)
Infant botulism is managed by the California Department of Public Health; contact Infant
Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP) on-call physician at (510) 231-7600.
http://www.infantbotulism.org/
Wound Botulism Warning Poster for EDs and Healthcare
Providers
Wound Botulism Warning Poster
English
Spanish
LAC DPH Health Alert: Wound Botulism
Cases Associated with Heroin Injection
(3-3-21)
LAC DPH Health Alert:
Wound Botulism Cases Associated with Heroin
(10-29-20)
Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the
bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are three main kinds of botulism. Foodborne botulism is
caused by eating foods that contain the botulism toxin. Wound botulism is caused by toxin produced
from a wound infected with Clostridium botulinum.
Infant botulism is caused by consuming the spores of the botulinum bacteria, which then grow in
the intestines and release toxin; it is correctly called intestinal botulism, and rarely may
also occur in older children and adults. Botulism toxin is also a potential bioterrorism agent
that theoretically could be released in food or drink, or as an airborne agent. All forms of
botulism can be fatal and are considered medical emergencies. Foodborne botulism can be
especially dangerous because many people can be poisoned by eating a contaminated food.
Botulism Special Studies (Annual Case Summary
Reports)
Additional Resources for Healthcare Providers
Additional Resources for the General Public
