How prevalent is the toxin that causes botulism?
In the U.S., an estimated 110 cases of botulism are reported each year. Of these cases, approximately 25 percent are food-borne botulism, 72 percent are infant botulism and the rest are wound botulism. Q: Where is botulism found? A: The bacteria that cause botulism are commonly found in soil. These rod-shaped organisms grow best in low oxygen conditions. The bacteria survive as spores in a dormant state until exposed to conditions that support their growth. Under the right conditions, these bacteria produce toxins. Q: Can I die from botulism? A: Botulism can result in death due to respiratory failure. However, in the past 50 years the proportion of patients who die from botulism has fallen from about 50 percent to 8 percent due to advances in respiratory support available in most hospitals. About 2 percent of the infant botulism patients die. Q: How would a deliberate aerosol or food-borne release of botulinum toxin be different than a normal outbreak of the disease? A: It would differ
