Dozens of people in California have been sickened by rare deadly bacteria after eating contaminated home-cooked food
California health officials are sounding the alarm over an outbreak of a rare, deadly bacteria that has contaminated home-cooked food.
At two events on June 21 and 22 outside Fresno, about 30 members of the same family were exposed to botulism, a rare foodborne pathogen that attacks the body’s nerves.
Eight people have been hospitalized, but officials have not specified how many of those exposed were sick.
Authorities did not disclose the specific foods involved, but urged the family to stop eating any of the contaminated products.
Now the California Department of Public Health and the CDC have said they are working together on an investigation.
About 30 members of the same family outside Fresno, California, were exposed to rare but deadly botulism from contaminated home-cooked food
Botulism is caused by a toxin released by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which is normally found in spores in soil, marine areas, and on the surfaces of foods such as fruits, vegetables, and seafood.
These bacteria produce spores, which act as protective layers and are usually harmless.
However, warm and wet, cramped spaces without oxygen, such as metal cans or plastic pots, can cause the bacteria to release toxins that attack the central nervous system.
The bacterium thrives in canned foods because the canning process forces air out of the food, creating a favorable environment for C. botulinum to grow.
Dr. Rais Vohra, interim health officer for Fresno County, California, urged people to follow proper guidelines for home canning, though he also stressed that botulism is rare in the U.S.
“Our local health department is working closely with area hospitals and state and national health agencies on this outbreak,” he said during a news conference.
‘While the risk to the general population is low, we are actively looking for those who may have eaten contaminated food. This way we can ensure that they are checked and treated in a timely manner.’
In a separate case of botulism, Claudia Albuquerque Celada (left) and Doralice Goes (right) were both infected with the bacteria and became paralyzed after eating contaminated food
The CDC estimates that there are only 200 cases of botulism in the U.S. each year, and only 25 of those cases come from food, making it extremely rare. Other causes include infections and, rarely, injecting too much botulinum toxin, which is used in Botox.
Although the risk is low, researchers in California are looking for anyone else who may have consumed the contaminated food to ensure they are monitored and treated.
Signs of botulism include difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, double vision, drooping eyelids, blurred vision, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, and difficulty moving the eyes.
Botulism can be fatal in about five to ten percent of cases. The condition is treated with antitoxins.