A 16-week old baby boy is fighting for his life in Edinburgh after being diagnosed with botulism.
Logan Douglas from Fife is thought to be the first youngster in Scotland to become infected with the disease since the infant strain was identified more than three decades ago.
The tot is said to be in a critical but stable condition after being transferred to the Sick Kids Hospital, where a quick thinking doctor tested for the rare toxins.
He was first admitted to hospital on September 19 and is reported to be on a life support machine.
Logan's Mum, Theresa Fitzpatrick, said: "We are pleased that he’s in the best place to get the treatment he needs and hope he will be fit and strong again as soon as possible.”
Dad Alex Douglas, added: "He’s our bonnie lad and we are looking forward to getting him back home soon and seeing him smiling again."
Infant botulism is incredibly rare, with just six cases in the UK since its discovery in 1976. In Scotland, electronic records have been kept since 1983, but show no cases.
It is not yet clear how Logan came to contract the disease.
Botulism is caused by a bacteria which lives in soil and can be transferred via wounds or by ingestion.
However, most cases in babies are thought to be caused by giving them honey. The food carries the spores which cause the disease and babies' digestive systems are unable to cope.
The toxin then spreads in the gut and causes breathing problems, muscle weakness and paralysis.
Most children do eventually recover from the condition but it can be a long process, while between five and ten percent of cases proves fatal.
Experts say parents should avoid giving infants honey in the first year of their life and should never put it on their dummy.
Last updated: 04 November 2009, 19:05
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