Overview

Botulism is a muscle-paralyzing disease caused by a toxin produced by the spore-forming soil bacterium Clostridium botulinum bacteria and (in rare cases) related bacteria. Botulinum toxins are known to be the most poisonous biological substances; minuscule quantities are capable of producing serious disease in humans. Between 2013 and 2018, an average of around 200 cases of botulism were reported each year in the United States.

Botulism is typically spread by food contaminated with C. botulinum spores, bacteria, or the botulism toxin and cannot be transmitted from person to person. People can be exposed to botulism toxin through contaminated food, through open wounds, or rarely, through inhalation. Botulism is a very rare disease that is not ordinarily caused by occupational exposure. Because of its potency and ability to cause harm, the botulinum toxin can be exploited by terrorists for use as a biological weapon. Workers that may be at increased risk for occupational exposure include, but are not limited to, emergency responders, healthcare workers, and laboratory workers.