Key points to remember
- infant botulism is a very rare condition
- it can happen when an infant swallows spores which grow in the intestines
- the bacteria that have grown then produce a neurotoxin which is absorbed into the bloodstream and affects muscle strength
- pēpi (babies) up to 6 months old are more likely to get infant botulism but it can occur in pēpi up to 1 year old
- honey is a known source of the bacteria spores that cause botulism
- pēpi should be at least 12 months old before they eat honey
Symptoms of infant botulism
Symptoms can begin 3 to 30 days after the spores are swallowed.
The first symptom is constipation lasting 3 days or more.
This can be followed by:
- reduced facial expressions
- poor feeding (weak suck)
- weak cry
- lethargy (being unusually sleepy and not easy to rouse)
- floppiness
Later symptoms include:
- trouble swallowing saliva, which causes excessive drooling
- generalised muscle weakness
- breathing difficulties
These symptoms can develop over about a week.
Infant botulism is a very rare condition. Constipation and poor feeding in babies will almost certainly have another cause, but medical advice should always be sought for these symptoms.
When should I get medical help
If you are concerned that your child might have infant botulism please see a health professional or after hours medical centre urgently, or go to your local emergency department.
Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if you are not sure what to do.
Healthline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 611 116. Call Healthline if you need advice about a child of any age who is unwell, hurt, or has any symptoms of sickness. It's free to callers throughout New Zealand, including from a mobile phone.
