Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 09 Jul 2024
Botulism Outbreak In The US Traced To Home-Canned Nopales, Ten Hospitalized; All About This Rare Poisoning
Home-canned nopales, or cactus pads have been responsible for the outbreak
At least ten members of a family in Fresno, California were hospitalized after being diagnosed with botulism – a rare but potentially fatal illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The toxin, known as botulinum neurotoxin or BoNT, attacks the body's nerves and can block nerve functions, leading to respiratory and muscular paralysis.
According to health officials, home-canned nopales, or cactus pads have been responsible for the outbreak.
Two sisters are currently recovering in intensive care, a spokesperson for the Fresno County Department of Public Health told NBC News. One of the patients underwent a tracheostomy - a procedure to create a breathing tube in the neck, due to breathlessness and other respiratory complications caused by the condition.
According to officials, eight others have been released from the hospital. "I've been here with the county for 26 years and this is the first time we've actually had a foodborne botulism outbreak," said Norma Sanchez, a disease specialist with the Fresno County Department of Public Health, in a press briefing earlier this week.
In the same press briefing, health officers also warned about the risks of home-canned foods.
What causes botulism?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, botulism can arise from improperly home-canned, preserved, or fermented foods. Doctors say the toxins attack your nerves and cause weakness and paralysis of your muscles, like those that help you move, talk, and swallow. If the toxins attack the nerves that control your breathing, it can be fatal.
There are several different types of botulism. The most common kinds include foodborne botulism, infant botulism, and wound botulism. Iatrogenic botulism and adult intestinal toxemia botulism are other rare forms of botulism.
You can get Clostridium botulinum from an infected wound or from eating contaminated food. But the bacteria release toxins that can make you sick if they get into your body through your mouth or break in your skin.
Conditions that allow spores to develop and grow include:
- Low oxygen or lack of oxygen
- Low acidity, sugar, or salt
- Cooking temperatures that are too low
- Certain amounts of water
- Storage temperatures that are too warm
Signs and symptoms of botulism
According to doctors, the symptoms of botulism can range from mild to severe. They may develop anywhere from three to 30 days after exposure to Clostridium botulinum spores. A few signs and symptoms of botulism include:
- Drooping eyelids
- Loss of facial expression
- Drooling
- Not able to eat
- Reduced gag reflex
- Constipation
- Weakness or floppiness
- Double or blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weakness or paralysis of your arms or legs
- Nausea and vomiting