Control and Prevention

Outbreaks of foodborne botulism are rare; suspected botulinum illness should be reported to public health authorities for further investigation. In many cases, botulism is preventable. The CDC provides guidance for preventing both foodborne and wound botulism.

Treatment

The only treatment for botulism is administration of botulinum antitoxin which is successful in more than 95% of patients if the disease is recognized and the antitoxin delivered within 48 hours. The antitoxins do not relieve paralysis but stop its progression so that recovery is eventually possible.