Botulism

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Botulism
Botulism

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Large-scale U.S. botulism outbreak could be disastrous, expert says


Botulinum toxin, produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, is the most potent biological toxin known to exist on Earth. The toxin causes botulism, a severe muscle-paralyzing, potentially fatal disease, characteristics that increase its likelihood as a potential bioweapon.

And while the U.S. government stockpiles antitoxins to treat the known toxin types, if a botulism terrorist attack were unleashed, the problem could get beyond our control rather quickly, experts told Homeland Preparedness News.

“There is a lot of controversy around botulism being used as a bioweapon and my major concern — and why this hasn’t happened is interesting and I’m not sure…

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 Large-scale U.S. botulism outbreak could be disastrous, expert says

“There is a lot of controversy around botulism being used as a bioweapon and my major concern — and why this hasn’t happened is interesting and I’m not sure why, nor do I want it to happen — but I’m concerned that it could be used in the food supply,” said Dr. Eric A. Johnson, professor of bacteriology in the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s (UW-M) Department of Bacteriology.

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

Surveillance systems overview...

GlobalSecurity.org

Despite skepticism that botulinum poison could be concentrated, stabilized, and aerosolized to make an effective military weapon against a specific enemy target, a botulinum attack against civilian targets may prove disturbingly effective. An aerosol release of botulinum toxins from a single point can kill or incapacitate 10% to 0.5 miles downwind of the release.

VisualDx

Botulism is classified as a Category A bioterrorism agent because of its ease of dissemination and high mortality rate. When used as a biological weapon, botulinum toxin is most likely to be dispersed as an aerosol for inhalation, although it could be added to the food or water supply.

CDC

A supply of antitoxin against infant botulism is maintained by the California Department of Public Health’s Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, and a supply of antitoxin against other kinds of botulism is maintained by CDC. The antitoxin is most effective in reducing the severity of symptoms if administered early in the course of the disease. Most patients eventually recover after weeks to months of supportive care.

CIDRAP

Latest news on Botulism. Our goal is to prevent illness and death from infectious diseases through epidemiologic research and the rapid translation of scientific information into real-world practical applications and solutions.

MedlinePlus

To prevent botulism: - Be very careful when canning foods at home - Do not let babies eat honey -Get prompt medical care for infected wounds

Occupational Safety & Health Administration

Safety and health topics: botulism

RnCeus.com

Botulinum toxin is a major threat as a bioweapon due to its extreme potency and ability to cause death, its ease of production and transport, and the need for prolonged intensive care among survivors. Botulinum toxin is the most poisonous substance known to man. A single gram of crystalline botulinum toxin, evenly dispersed and inhaled, could kill more than 1 million people. It is 15,000 to 100,000 times more toxic than sarin, the destructive nerve agent used in the Tokyo subway system.

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