Skip links and keyboard navigation

Botulism

Print page Send by email

Fact sheet - Health conditions directory

Botulism is a rare but potentially fatal condition that causes progressive and often rapid weakness. In Australia, there is typically only one case of botulism reported per year. Botulism is caused by nerve toxins made by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. These bacteria are found worldwide in soils, but people who develop botulism most commonly get it from eating food that is contaminated with the bacteria or its toxin. Occasionally, the bacteria can get into the body through a break in the skin. The toxin that causes botulism is one of the most powerful known poisons and small amounts can do lots of damage to nerves. While death from botulism is rare, full recovery may take months.

Public health management guidelines

Notification

Pathology laboratories

Attending medical practitioners/medical superintendents (or delegates)

Notification resources

Enhanced surveillance for public health units

Case report forms - used by public health units to collect and manage more detailed information for enhanced case surveillance.

Adult Case report form (PDF, 431KB)

Infant Case report form (PDF, 407KB)

Resources for health professionals

Last updated: 5 June 2023

Condition information

Search this database of all notifable conditions and find:

  • control guidelines
  • notification requirements
  • health alert information
  • Resources

Communicable diseases contacts

Ph: +61 7 3328 9724 / 9728
Fax: +61 7 3328 9782
Page content queries
Find: local public health unit

Test results CDIS-NOCS-Support

Quick links