Botulism Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Botulism Overview Botulism is a a severe and potentially life-threatening disease caused by the botulinum toxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Causes Ingestion of contaminated food or waterInfected woundsInhalation of toxin used in biological warfare Risk factors Injecting illicit drugs such as black tar heroinDrinking certain kinds of homemade alcohol, such as “pruno” or “hooch”Eating improperly canned, preserved, or fermented foods, Foods commonly linked to botulism include home-canned foods and Alaska Native foods.Being injected with too much botulinum toxin for medical or cosmetic reasons Symptoms Drooping of eyelidsMuscle weakness or paralysisSlurring of speechDifficulty in swallowingDiarrhoea or vomitingDifficulty in breathing Specialist to approach Neurologist Treatment Antitoxin (if given early)Supportive care (mechanical ventilation)