<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> (edit on Wikidata) </Td> </Tr> <P> Botulism is a rare and potentially fatal illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum . The disease begins with weakness, blurred vision, feeling tired, and trouble speaking . This may then be followed by weakness of the arms, chest muscles, and legs . The disease does not usually affect consciousness or cause a fever . </P> <P> Botulism can be spread in several different ways . The bacterial spores which cause it are common in both soil and water . They produce the botulinum toxin when exposed to low oxygen levels and certain temperatures . Foodborne botulism happens when food containing the toxin is eaten . Infant botulism happens when the bacteria develops in the intestines and releases the toxin . This typically only occurs in children less than six months old, as protective mechanisms develop after that time . Wound botulism is found most often among those who inject street drugs . In this situation, spores enter a wound, and in the absence of oxygen, release the toxin . It is not passed directly between people . The diagnosis is confirmed by finding the toxin or bacteria in the person in question . </P> <P> Prevention is primarily by proper food preparation . The toxin, though not the organism, is destroyed by heating it to more than 85 ° C (185 ° F) for longer than 5 minutes . Honey can contain the organism, and for this reason, honey should not be fed to children under 12 months . Treatment is with an antitoxin . In those who lose their ability to breathe on their own, mechanical ventilation may be necessary for months . Antibiotics may be used for wound botulism . Death occurs in 5 to 10% of people . Botulism also affects many other animals . The word is from Latin, botulus, meaning sausage . Early descriptions of botulism date from at least as far back as 1793 in Germany . </P>

Where is the bacteria that causes botulism often present