Infant botulism
Rare but serious
Infant botulism affects healthy babies under one year old. It's caused by a food-poisoning bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. When swallowed, spores of this bacterium grow and produce poison in an infant's intestines. Clostridium botulinum spores can be found in soil and dust. Honey is the only food linked to infant botulism in Canada.
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When does the risk go down?
Children over one year old have a very low risk of developing infant botulism. Helpful bacteria, which are well-established in most children by the time they turn one, act as a defence against the harmful spores that cause infant botulism.
What are the symptoms?
Constipation is the earliest and most common symptom of infant botulism. Others include general weakness, a weak cry, inability to swallow, poor sucking reflex, irritability, lack of facial expression and loss of head control. An infant may also have trouble breathing due to paralysis of the diaphragm.
Can it be treated?
Most babies with infant botulism have to stay in the hospital for a few days, or even a few weeks. During treatment, doctors pay close attention to nutritional needs and make sure the child is able to breathe properly. Antibiotics are not usually needed (an antitoxin treatment called BabyBIG® is available in the United States, and in some special cases is made available to Canadians) and most babies make a complete recovery.
Fast facts
Less than 5% of Canadian honey contains small amounts of Clostridium botulinum spores. However, even small amounts can cause infant botulism in a baby, which is why health professionals advise against giving honey to children under one year old.
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