Botulism: Symptoms and how has it impacted Rugby World Cup 2023?

Rugby World Cup 2023 has been hit hard by the most unexpected thing-botulism. It became evident when the health authorities warned the people to be vigilant against botulism. The authorities issued warnings after a man died and 12 people were hospitalised amid a botulism outbreak in Bordeaux, France. Besides, it was announced that an Irish rugby fan was among seven patients admitted to an intensive care unit of a hospital. It has raised an impertinent question- what is botulism and how dangerous it is?

What is botulism?

Medical science defines botulism as a serious neurological illness, caused by eating food that has not been cooked or preserved properly. It can be fatal in 5-10% of cases. Muscular and respiratory paralysis are the most common impacts of this infection.

Toxins cause botulism

This illness is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. These toxins attack the nervous system, and affect the nerves, brain, and spinal cord. It causes paralysis. It is curable with treatment, but the paralysis can spread to the muscles that control breathing if it is not treated quickly. It may cause death.

Bacteria not harmful?

Clostridium botulinum bacteria themselves are not harmful, but if they are deprived of oxygen, they release highly poisonous toxins. These toxins when enter the human body, cause illness.

Types of botulism

There are three types of botulism:

Food-borne botulism: It happens after eating food containing toxins because it has not been properly canned, preserved, or cooked.
Wound botulism: It is caused when a wound becomes infected with the bacteria.
Infant botulism: It happens when a baby swallows a resistant form of the bacteria in contaminated soil or food.

Symptoms of botulism

According to the UK National Health Service, the time it takes to develop symptoms can vary from a few hours to several days. The most common symptoms include feeling sick, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea or constipation. Symptoms include:

Drooping eyelids
Blurred or double vision
Facial muscle weakness
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Slurred speech
Breathing difficulties

FAQs:

Q1. What is botulism?
A1. According to medical experts, botulism is a serious neurological illness, caused by eating food that has not been cooked or preserved properly. It can be fatal in 5-10% of cases.

Q2. What are the symptoms of botulism?
A2. The most common symptoms of botulism are feeling sick, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, or constipation. These also include drooping eyelids
blurred or double vision, slurred speech, breathing difficulties and facial muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing.