This information is provided to you regarding the threat to you and your community should there be a bioterrorist attack with Botulism as the agent of infection.

Botulism is an acute infectious disease caused by a spore-forming bacillus. These spores are naturally present in soil and marine sediment (in soil under water) throughout the world. Humans can become infected through ingestion of contaminated food and it has been identified to infect by breathing it in.

BOTULISM IS NOT KNOWN TO BE TRANSMISSIBLE FROM PERSON TO PERSON. Persons with Botulism are not contagious.

Symptoms include

The foodborne botulism symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Foodborne and inhalation exposure may share some of these same symptoms:

Many of the symptoms are related to the nervous system, drooping eyelids, weakened jaw clench, difficulty swallowing or speaking. Blurred vision, weakness in arms, shortness of breath and weakness in legs.

Incubation (the time from exposure to symptoms)-12-36 hours for foodborne illness, and 24-72 hours for inhalation illness.

EXPOSURE

Decontamination of your body is not needed, there is no risk of infection with skin exposure.

If you experience symptoms such as drooping eyelids, blurred vision and shortness of breath seek medical attention.

Don't panic, the local and state health departments and the CDC will be assisting you to get the necessary treatment. (antitoxin available from CDC)