Clinical Criteria to Trigger Suspicion for Botulism: An Evidence-Based Tool to Facilitate Timely Recognition of Suspected Cases During Sporadic Events and Outbreaks

Abstract

Effective treatment for botulism requires early clinical recognition. Diagnosis of botulism, including during outbreaks, can be challenging. We assessed combinations of signs and symptoms among confirmed cases and identified sensitive clinical criteria to trigger suspicion. We produced a tool that may facilitate rapid identification of sporadic and outbreak-associated cases.