Botulism: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
By Alina Bradford, Live Science Contributor | June 1, 2017 12:06am ET
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by toxins released by bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. These toxins are among the most lethal substances known to man, according to the World Health Organization. Even a small amount can be deadly. Fortunately, infection from this type of bacteria is rare.
Botulinum toxins affect the body by blocking nerve messages. People infected with the bacteria often experience a loss of muscle control. "They are essentially paralyzed, as the toxin surrounds those nerves and blocks those messages," said Benjamin Chapman, an associate professor and food safety specialist at North Carolina State University.
http://www.livescience.com/59325-botulism-causes-symptoms.html
