Botulism outbreak in California linked to family events and home-cooked food

Public health officials in California are investigating an outbreak of botulism infections linked to family events on June 21 and 22 in Clovis, CA.

Officials from the California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are collaborating on the study.

During a news conference, Dr. Rais Vohra, interim health officer for Fresno County, said the outbreak is a reminder of the importance of following proper measures. guidelines for home canning. The food served at the family gatherings was prepared by family members. It can take up to 10 days for symptoms of a botulism infection to appear.

The families have been advised to stop eating the affected foods. Officials did not report how many people have become ill, saying only that several patients are being treated and that about 30 people have been exposed. At least eight patients have been hospitalized. Vohra said the scale of the outbreak is unprecedented.

“Our local health department is working closely with regional hospitals, state and national health agencies on this outbreak. While the risk to the general population is low, we are actively identifying those who may have consumed the contaminated food to ensure they are monitored and treated in a timely manner,” Vohra said.

Researchers are collecting information about the events and what food was served.

Vohra said the risk to the public is low, but the health department is still looking for anyone who may have consumed the contaminated food in an effort to ensure they are monitored and treated in a timely manner.

Botulism is a rare but serious disease caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum and related bacteria. The venom can attack the nerves of the body, leading to muscle paralysis, especially of the facial nerves, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties and even death. Individuals can contract botulism by ingesting the toxin through improperly home-canned, preserved, or fermented foods, or through wounds infected with the bacteria.

Symptoms of botulism usually begin with weakness and dizziness, followed by blurred vision, drooping eyelids, and difficulty speaking or swallowing. As the disease progresses, it can cause paralysis that starts in the upper body and extends to the lower extremities. Anyone who is ill with symptoms of botulism is advised to visit a healthcare provider immediately for evaluation.

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