![What is botulism?](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/graphics/subtitles/whatis.gif) ![line](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/graphics/line3.gif)
"Since
most of the family
was affected, my mom
was feeling very
horrified.
She thought she was
going to lose all of her
daughters, her son-in-law,
and some grandchildren."
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![Photo of Marie](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/photos/marie.jpg)
Marie
Botulism survivor |
![Photo of Clostridium
botulinum](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/photos/botulinum.jpg)
Clostridium
botulinum |
Botulism is a poison, or toxin, produced by a germ
that can only be seen through a microscope. The germ is called
Clostridium botulinum. While there are several ways of
getting botulism, almost all botulism in Alaska is from eating food
contaminated with botulism poison. |
![Photo of where botulistm can be found - In soil?](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/photos/soil2.jpg)
In soil |
![Photo of where botulistm can be found - In water?](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/photos/water2.jpg)
In water |
![Photo of where botulistm can be found - In fish?](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/photos/fish2.jpg)
In fish |
![Photo of where botulistm can be found - On marine animals?](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/photos/walrus2.jpg)
On marine animals |
Botulism germs are commonly found ![bullet](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/graphics/bullets/button-trans2.gif) |
in the soil |
![bullet](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/graphics/bullets/button-trans2.gif) |
in water |
![bullet](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/graphics/bullets/button-trans2.gif) |
in fish |
![bullet](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/graphics/bullets/button-trans2.gif) |
on marine
animals |
|
As a result, people can easily come into contact
with the botulism germs.
The germs themselves are harmless, unless they find the right growing
conditions to produce poison.
The germs form a protective coating and become spores.
|
This allows the germs to survive until they are in an ideal situation that
can help them grow.
When they find an ideal growing situation, they start producing poison.
|
![Animation of how poison is produced?](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/animation/microbota.gif) |
This animation is programmed to repeat 8 times.
Refresh your
browser to restart animation.
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![photo](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/photos/poison.jpg)
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Botulism poison is one of the most deadly poisons in
the world. Just a teaspoon of pure botulism poison could kill millions of
people. Even just
a taste of contaminated food can make a person sick. |
Botulism germs grow best and produce their poison when
there is ![bullet](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/graphics/bullets/button-trans2.gif) |
No fresh
air |
![bullet](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/graphics/bullets/button-trans2.gif) |
When the temperature is above 37 degrees Fahrenheit
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|
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![bullet](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/graphics/bullets/button-trans2.gif) |
Botulism is a deadly poison produced by a germ. |
![bullet](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/graphics/bullets/button-trans2.gif) |
Botulism germs are commonly found in the soil
and water, in fish, and on marine animals. |
![bullet](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090115001132im_/http://www2.cdc.gov/phtn/botulism/graphics/bullets/button-trans2.gif) |
Botulism
germs grow best and produce their poison when there is no
fresh air and when the temperature is above 37 degrees
Fahrenheit. |
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