Key points to remember
- infant botulism is a very rare condition
- it can happen when a baby swallows spores from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria
- honey is a known source of the Clostridium botulinum bacteria spores
- these spores can grow in the baby’s intestines, where they produce a neurotoxin
- this toxin is absorbed into the bloodstream and can weaken the muscles
- pēpi up to 6 months old are more likely to get infant botulism because they have less immunity to the Clostridium botulinum bacteria
- pēpi should be at least 12 months old before they eat honey
What is botulism?
Infant botulism is a very rare condition. It can happen when a baby swallows spores from Clostridium botulinum bacteria. These spores can grow in the baby’s intestines, where they produce a neurotoxin. This toxin is absorbed into the bloodstream and can weaken the muscles.
Clostridium botulinum spores can be found in honey as well as dust, soil and some other foods.
Pēpi up to 6 months old are more likely to get infant botulism but it can occur in pēpi up to 1 year old.
Pēpi should be at least 12 months old before they eat honey.
Symptoms of infant botulism
Symptoms of botulism 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)
- generalised muscle weakness
Later symptoms include:
- trouble swallowing saliva, which causes excessive drooling
- breathing difficulties
- floppiness
Infant botulism is a very rare condition. Constipation and poor feeding in babies will almost certainly have another cause, but always get medical help for these symptoms.
When should I get medical help
If you are concerned that your baby 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.
See the Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora website for more information on botulism.
