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Botulism

Symptoms: Difficulty swallowing and speaking Progressive weakness with paralysis Nausea, vomiting Abdominal cramps Dry mouth Double vision Breathing difficulty that may lead to respiratory failure Temporary lack of breathing  No fever, usually In infants: Constipation Weakness, loss of muscle tone Weak cry Poor feeding and weak sucking Respiratory distress Alertness, despite weakness Symptoms usually appear between 8 - 36 hours after consuming contaminated food. Signs and tests: Speech impairment Muscle function/feeling loss Eyelid drooping Absent or decreased gag reflex Absent or decreased deep tendon reflexes Paralyzed bowel Severe constipation Urine retention with inability to urinate Blood test to identify toxin Laboratory analysis of suspected food Stool culture

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