Symptoms:

Symptoms usually appear 8 - 36 hours after consuming contaminated food. There is NO fever with this infection.

In adults, symptoms may include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Breathing difficulty that may lead to respiratory failure
• Difficulty swallowing and speaking
• Double vision
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Temporary lack of breathing
• Vomiting
• Weakness with paralysis (equal on both sides of the body)

Symptoms in infants may include:

• Constipation
• Weakness, loss of muscle tone
• Weak cry
• Poor feeding and weak sucking
• Respiratory distress
• Alertness, despite weakness

Signs and tests:

The doctor will perform a physical exam. There may be signs of:

• Absent or decreased deep tendon reflexes
• Absent or decreased gag reflex
• Eyelid drooping
• Muscle function/feeling loss
• Paralyzed bowel
• Speech impairment
• Urine retention with inability to urinate

Blood tests can be done to identify the toxin. A stool culture may also be ordered. Lab tests can be done on the suspected food to confirm botulism.