Japan reports first infant botulism death

Japan reported its first infant botulism death after a baby boy was poisoned by honey.

Botulism grows in low-oxygen environments Source: Flickr / Jason Wilson CC BY 2.0

Pediatricians pointed out that as honey can be easily contaminated with toxin-producing bacteria, feeding it to babies who have not developed gut flora may lead to malfunction of neurotransmitters, muscle weakness, and even respiratory failure or sudden death.