While most cases require hospitalization, fatal cases are rare. C. botulinum spores have been found in honey that was implicated in infant botulism. Random surveys of honey produced in Canada indicate that C. botulinum spores are rare. It is not known how honey becomes contaminated with C. botulinum . Spores of C. botulinum , which are commonly found in the environment, may be picked up by bees and brought to the hive.
Infant botulism is rare in Canada.
Only sixteen cases of infant botulism have been recorded in Canada since the first case in 1979. Three of these were associated with feeding honey to the infant. More cases of infant botulism may go unreported due to misdiagnosis. In the United States, approximately 70 to 90 cases of infant botulism are reported every year. Close attention is paid to proper nutrition and pulmonary aid.