Botulism can make everyone sick, but not everyone who is exposed to it will get sick. The severity of the illness depends on factors such as the amount of botulinum toxin ingested and individual susceptibility. It’s a rare but serious disease that should be treated promptly if suspected.
Can some people be more susceptible to botulism than others?
While anyone can get botulism, infants, elderly people, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe symptoms. Also, individuals who consume contaminated food or work with the bacteria that produce botulinum toxin are at higher risk of developing botulism.
How long does it take for the symptoms of botulism to appear after exposure?
The symptoms of botulism usually appear within 6 to 36 hours after exposure, but it can take as little as 1 hour or up to 10 days depending on the amount and type of toxin ingested.