An eighth inmate from the Arizona State Prison Complex Eyman in Florence may be part of a botulism outbreak linked to prison hooch that has sickened seven others. His condition has not yet reached a threshold requiring treatment with the botulism anti-toxin but he is still undergoing evaluation., according to Pinal County health authorities.
The stockpile of botulism anti-toxin is controlled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which releases it medical providers after a diagnosis of botulism seems likely. The seven other inmates, who are in intensive care at the prison , all received the anti-toxin. Authorities collected specimens from the affected inmates and from samples of the hooch and turned them over to the CDC for testing. It is not yet known how long it will be until results are available.
Botulism is not a communicable disease. It can develop in contaminated wounds or from IV drug use, but consuming tainted food or beverages is the most common cause. Symptoms of botulism, which can be fatal if untreated, include: muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, chewing, swallowing and breathing; and paralysis. When ingested, the botulinum toxin blocks the motor nerves’ ability to communicate with muscles, which leads to paralysis. Eventually, the toxin moves to muscles that control the airway and breathing.
Investigation into the outbreak is ongoing. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. In August, four inmates at the same prison contracted botulism after drinking hooch they had concocted in their cells.
