Infant botulism, a type of botulism that affects children under 1-year of age, is the most common form of botulism reported in Texas. Over a five-year period (2016-2020), the average number of cases of infant botulism reported in Texas was 9 cases per year. During this time, reported case counts ranged from 7 in 2016 to 11 in 2018 and 2019.
Clostridium botulinum spores occur naturally in the environment and can be found in dust, soil, and water worldwide. The most common exposure identified in infant cases is exposure to dust. Raw honey and herbal tea can also be a source of exposure and should therefore not be given to children under one year of age. In 2018, four cases of infant botulism were reported across multiple jurisdictions in Texas and were linked to honey pacifiers purchased in Mexico.
Foodborne botulism is less common in Texas. One outbreak with 4 cases reported in 2013 was linked to a home-pickled vegetable dish called Turshi. Over the last five years, there has been an increase in the number of wound botulism cases reported in Texas. These cases have been associated with the injection of illicit drugs, especially black tar heroin.