The Camden County Health Department has confirmed that a resident has tested positive for botulism, a rare but potentially life-threatening illness.
Botulism – caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and related bacteria – attacks the body’s nerves, leading to potentially severe complications, including paralysis and even death. The disease can be transmitted through contaminated food, infected wounds, or, in infants, spores that grow in the intestines.
“Botulism is rare, but it is a serious illness and is always considered an urgent medical matter,” said Camden County Health Officer Dr. Paschal Nwako. “It’s important to note that botulism is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person, but the health department will continue to monitor the situation and investigate this case.”
Symptoms of botulism can be subtle at first but can quickly progress, making early detection crucial. Common symptoms include difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, double vision or blurry vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty breathing and difficulty moving the eyes.
In cases of food-borne botulism, additional symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea may occur. In infants, the disease can present with symptoms that include constipation, poor feeding, drooping eyelids, pupils that are slow to react to light, a less expressive face and an unusually weak cry.
Treatment often involves anti-toxins that can prevent the illness from causing further harm, but timing is critical. The health department is working closely with the state to trace the source of the botulism case and prevent further cases. Although the illness is not contagious, an investigation into contamination sources – particularly in food products – is being conducted, according to the department.
Residents are urged to practice food safety by avoiding improperly preserved foods and being cautious with home-canned goods. Parents should not giving honey to children under 1 years old because it can contain bacterium spores.
For more detailed information on botulism and its prevention, visit https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/hcp/clinical-overview/infant-botulism.html and https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/botulism.shtml.
