Foodborne Botulism Outbreaks in the United States, 2001-2017

Foodborne botulism is an intoxication caused by ingestion of food containing botulinum neurotoxin. Cases of foodborne botulism are usually sporadic (single, unrelated) but outbreaks of two or more cases occur. In this mini-review we will examine the following for the period 2001-2017, in the United States: botulism surveillance data, outbreaks of botulism affecting 10 or more people, and the public health preparedness and response approach.

Automated summary

Foodborne botulism is caused by ingestion of food containing botulinum neurotoxin, with cases usually sporadic but outbreaks can occur. In the United States from 2001 to 2017, surveillance data, outbreaks affecting 10 or more people, and preparedness and response approaches in public health were examined.