Foodborne botulism is rare, but this month two outbreaks have been reported, one in New Mexico and one in Ohio. In New Mexico, two people were sickened and hospitalized in Texas. In Ohio, at least 19 people who ate at a church potluck were sickened and one of them died. Patients in that outbreak are being treated at the Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster, Ohio. Health officials have not yet determined the food source for either outbreak. In Ohio, the list of possible suspects includes 20 items. Botulism is caused by a nerve toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum which is found in soil and dust. Symptoms include: double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, muscle weakness, descending paralysis, difficulty … [Read more...]
Doctor: Death Toll in Church Potluck Botulism Outbreak Could Rise
The botulism outbreak linked to a potluck dinner at Cross Pointe Free Will Baptist Church could claim more lives, according to a doctor treating the victims at the Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster, Ohio. "These people are really ill, and the care is supportive," Dr. Andrew Murry told the Eagle-Gazette. Health officials are still trying to determine the food source of the outbreak which has killed one person and sickened at least 18 others. So far, the list of possible suspects includes 20 items. Botulism is caused by a nerve toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum which is found in soil and dust. Symptoms include: double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, muscle weakness, descending paralysis, difficulty … [Read more...]
Update on Cross Pointe Free Will Baptist Church Botulism Outbreak
Fairfield Medical Center has updated information on the botulism outbreak linked to the Cross Point Free Will Baptist Church in Lancaster, Ohio. There are 18 suspected cases, including the death of a 54-year-old woman. None of these cases have been confirmed through laboratory testing. Twenty-one more people have sought treatment at area hospitals as a precaution. All of those affected attended a potluck at the church on Sunday, April 19, 2015. About 60 people were in attendance. If you attended that event, go to an emergency room for questions and a health evaluation. The longer treatment is delayed, the more serious the resulting illness will be. The hospital made arrangements with the Centers for Discase Controla nd Prevention (CDC) to obtain botulism anti-toxin. The medicine … [Read more...]
Ohio Church Potluck Botulism Has Now Sickened 24
The outbreak of botulism linked to a potluck dinner served at the Cross Pointe Free Will Baptist Church in Lancaster, Ohio has now sickened at least 24 people. One person, a 54-year-old woman, has died, and all patients have been hospitalized. Still others are under observation. Three people are in critical condition, according to Fairfield Medical Center. The hospital has activated its Incident Command Center. More patients are being treated at other hospitals in the area. About 60 people were in attendance at the event, including some children. Dr. Andrew Murry of Fairfield Medical Center said, "we are encouraging everyone who attended the potluck to report to the emergency room or their nearest medical facility for questions and also to seek an evaluation for further medical … [Read more...]
