British, American and Irish tourists hospitalized with botulism after eating sardines in Bordeaux restaurant – killing one woman
- At least eight people have been hospitalized and one person has died from the outbreak
- Those affected dined at Tchin Tchin Wine Bar in Bordeux between September 4 and 10
- Botulism is a rare but life-threatening condition that can cause paralysis
British, Irish and American tourists are among a number of people hospitalized with botulism after eating sardines at a restaurant in Bordeaux.
A 32-year-old woman has died and at least eight others are in hospital with the rare but life-threatening condition.
The French health agency linked the outbreak to homemade sardines from the Tchin Tchin wine bar in Bordeaux.
They also confirmed that guests who became ill ate at the restaurant between September 4 and 10.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it had been informed of a “small number of UK nationals” who had been affected.
British and Irish tourists are among a number of people hospitalized with botulism after eating sardines at a restaurant in Bordeaux
They tweeted a warning to Brits, urging them to contact their local emergency department immediately if they had eaten there between those dates.
Botulism does not spread from person to person and there is no risk to the general population.
It is a serious condition caused by toxins produced by bacteria when food is not stored properly.
These toxins attack the nervous system and can cause paralysis. Symptoms include drooping eyelids, blurred or double vision, and weakness of the facial muscles.
A statement from the UKHSA said that ‘individuals identified by French authorities and returned to Britain are receiving medical attention.’
It added that ‘there may now be more people in Britain who ate at the Bordeaux restaurant who French authorities have been unable to trace’.
Ireland’s health service said it had been informed of a “small number” of Irish citizens who have been affected and are being treated in France.
It has also been reported that the deceased woman is the wife of an Irish citizen.
Two American tourists, Matt Jackson and Kristy Brenner, are also confirmed to be part of the group.
The French health agency linked the outbreak to homemade sardines from the Tchin Tchin wine bar in Bordeux
It was confirmed that affected guests ate at the restaurant between September 4 and 10
Two American tourists, Matt Jackson and Kristy Brenner, are also confirmed to be part of the group
a GoFundMe page set up by their family and friends, says their ‘vacation in France went from wonderful to nightmare in a matter of hours.
On September 11, lab results confirmed that both Matt and Kristy had botulism from eating at Tchin Tchin Wine Bar.
The fundraiser, which has already exceeded $48,600, says the couple underwent anti-toxin treatment and flew to Bordeaux.
It says that “Kristy was fortunately discharged two days ago,” but “Matt’s reaction to botulism was extremely severe and the road to recovery is expected to be long,” adding that his “ability to do much of anything is currently in danger’. ‘.
The NHS website says: ‘Treatment will not immediately reverse paralysis already caused by the toxin, but will prevent the paralysis from getting worse.
‘In most people, the paralysis that occurred before treatment will gradually improve over the following weeks or months.’