While botulism is a rare occurrence, it is often serious – and fatal. Logan Douglas, an Oakley baby belonging to Theresa Fitzpatrick and Alex Douglas, has been hospitalized since September 19th and is in intensive care. According to reports, the infant is on a respirator and has been paralyzed due to botulism. While infant botulism is usually caused due to the growth of the Clostridium botulinum bacteria in a baby’s intestinal tract, it can be contracted through foods, especially canned foods.
In babies, the first sign of the disease is often constipation, followed by muscle weakness and loss of control of the head. As with Logan, paralysis is often the result of botulism, and babies may also have difficulty feeding and a weak cry. The most common sources of this condition in babies are corn syrup, honey or exposure to soil that is contaminated. The spores are consumed, then multiply and produce toxins.
Foodborne botulism is caused by ingesting foods that contain the toxin. It often interferes with nerve function which can result in paralysis. While home canned foods are often responsible for the illness, it can be contracted at restaurants and other public places. Chili peppers, baked potatoes, green beans and beets are common sources of botulism. When someone becomes sick after eating foods prepared in a daycare, restaurant or anywhere that food preparation resulted in illness, a food poisoning lawyer should be contacted.
Symptoms of foodborne botulism often surface approximately 12 to 36 hours after the toxin has been ingested. These symptoms may include paralysis, difficulty breathing or swallowing, facial weakness, nausea or vomiting, and double vision. Botulism is one of the most serious types of food poisoning, and often presents a medical emergency, as it can cause death. Thankfully, this condition does not occur frequently; when it does, it is extremely serious. In fact, the clostridium botulinum toxin is the most deadly natural occurring poison in existence.
If you or someone in your family becomes ill due to botulism, contact an experienced food poisoning attorney at once. You may be facing hospitalization, paralysis, or even worse. If the negligence of another party is to blame, you are entitled to compensation, and possibly wrongful death compensation in the event that the infection is fatal. Hopefully, Logan Douglas will recover; botulism is an infection not to be taken lightly!
