Contact Network About. These bacteria form spores, which allow them to survive harsh environments. The toxin causes paralysis which can make a person stop breathing.
Botulism can cause death and is a medical emergency.
Difficulty speaking or swallowing Dry mouth Weakness Paralyzed arms, legs, and chest Symptoms of botulism begin six hours to ten days after exposure to contaminated food or after a wound is infected with the bacteria. Babies with botulism appear tired, don t feed well, are constipated, and have a weak cry and limp muscles. These are symptoms of the muscle paralysis caused by the bacterial toxin. You cannot tell without seeing your doctor. A person who has breathing failure or is paralyzed needs intensive medical care in a hospital.