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"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."
|
Marie
Botulism survivor |
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. |
In soil |
In water |
In fish |
On marine animals |
Botulism germs are commonly found  |
in the soil |
|
in water |
|
in fish |
|
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.
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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 |
No fresh
air |
|
When the temperature is above 37 degrees Fahrenheit
|
|
|
|
Botulism is a deadly poison produced by a germ. |
|
Botulism germs are commonly found in the soil
and water, in fish, and on marine animals. |
|
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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