Botulism in the elderly

Two cases of type A botulism in elderly patients are presented, followed by an overview of the disease. Typical features demonstrated by these patients included home food preservation, multiple cases, and early GI tract symptoms followed by diplopia, ptosis, generalized weakness, and respiratory impairment while sensation and deep tendon reflexes remained intact. Fatal outcomes are more likely in the elderly. The CDC should be contacted early in cases of suspected botulism.