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Botulism Web Series
Botulism is a rare but serious intoxication that causes neuroparalytic illness. Three forms of botulism can occur: foodborne, infant/intestinal, and wound botulism. A case of botulism in a person greater than one year of age is considered a medical and public health emergency. As botulism can cause severe morbidity and mortality in patients, public health surveillance is essential for early detection and treatment. Through this Colorado Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence web series, public health professionals will learn about various aspects of botulism and the role of public health including:
- Foodborne Botulism (June 23, 2021 from 2:00 PM-3:00 PM ET)
- Infant Botulism (August 4, 2021 from 2:00 PM-3:00 PM ET)
- Wound Botulism (August 18, 2021 from 2:00 PM-3:00 PM ET)
- Testing/Treatment Methods and Considerations (September 15, 2021 from 2:00 PM-3:00 PM ET)
- Unusual Botulism Outbreaks (October 20, 2021 from 2:00 PM-3:00 PM ET)
| Date | Botulism Focus Area | Presenters | Session Details |
June 23rd 2-3pm ET
| Foodborne Botulism | Marisa Bunning, PhD Professor and Extension Specialist, Food Safety Food Science and Human Nutrition Colorado State University
Nicole Comstock, MSPH Communicable Disease Deputy Branch Chief Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Robin Trujillo, BSN, RN Enteric Disease Unit Manager Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment | When food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) spores is improperly preserved and stored under anaerobic conditions (such as canned or vacuum-packaged items), the spores can germinate and the bacteria can multiply, resulting in botulinum toxin production. If this food is eaten without sufficient heating to inactivate the toxin, foodborne botulism can occur. The toxin is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream and is carried to nerve endings where it blocks the release of neurotransmitters that allow for muscle response. The case fatality rate is 5% to 10%, although recovery may take months. Every case of foodborne botulism represents a public health emergency because the responsible food, whether homemade or commercial, may still be available for consumption and could make others ill.
This webinar will cover topics such as:
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August 4th 2-3pm ET
| Infant Botulism | Stephen S. Arnon, MD, MPH Infant Botulism Treatment & Prevention Program California Department of Public Health
Haydee A. Dabritz, PhD Infant Botulism Treatment & Prevention Program California Department of Public Health | Infant botulism is a serious gastrointestinal condition in infants up to 12 months of age and is the most commonly-reported form of botulism. When C. botulinum spores are ingested, bacteria can colonize in an infant’s intestines, producing toxins. Illness in infants can be mild with gradual onset or rapidly progressive resulting in sudden death.
This webinar will cover topics such as:
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August 18th 2-3pm ET
| Wound Botulism | Irina Cody, MPH Epidemiologist, Foodborne Illness Team Texas Department of State Health Services
Leslie Edwards, MHS, RN Unit Lead, Clinical Consultations and Lab Surveillance Unit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | When C. botulinum spores contaminate a wound and germinate, the bacteria multiply and produce toxin, causing wound botulism. As with foodborne botulism, the toxin is carried to target nerve cells and causes paralytic neuromuscular effects. People who inject drugs have a greater chance of getting wound botulism, but it can also occur in people after a traumatic injury such as motorcycle crashes and surgeries.
This webinar will cover topics such as:
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September 15th 2-3pm ET
| Testing/Treatment Methods and Considerations | Clive Brown Division of Global Migration and Quarantine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Janet Dykes Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Leslie Edwards Clinical Consultations and Lab Surveillance Unit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Chelsey Griffin Enteric Diseases Epidemiology Branch Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | All types of botulism can be life-threatening and are considered medical emergencies. Several treatments are available to reduce severity of symptoms, including botulinum antitoxin and human botulism immune globulin. Treatment can reduce mortality if administered early, however hospitalization, respiratory support, nutritional support, and/or surgery may still be required.
This webinar will cover topics such as:
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October 20th 2-3pm ET
| Unusual Botulism Outbreaks
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Irina Cody, MPH Epidemiologist, Foodborne Illness Team Texas Department of State Health Services
Rachel Jervis, MPH Program Manager, Foodborne, Enteric, + Waterborne Diseases Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Lorinda Lhotka Section Manager, Food Safety and Sanitation Program
Hilary Rosen, MPH Epidemiologist, Disease Investigation Section California Department of Public Health
Lieutenant Commander Chris Dankmyer Environmental Health Manager, Maniilaq Health Association Environmental Health Officer, United States Public Health Service | The last webinar in this series will provide a look into some of the strangest and most unusual botulism outbreaks across the nation. |