A state in Brazil has reported half a dozen botulism cases so far this year, including two deaths. Bahia’s Epidemiological Surveillance confirmed this week that another case of botulism was under investigation. With the update, the state has six cases in 2024.
Three patients remain hospitalized, one has already been discharged, and two have died. Two cases were registered in 2023. According to the Bahia State Health Department (Sesab), patients are from different municipalities.
However, an investigation has found all cases had eaten chicken mortadella. Investigations are ongoing to confirm the source of the illness. Between 2008 and 2018, there were 69 cases of botulism confirmed in Brazil, with the majority of these being foodborne.
Botulinum poisoning is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. In foodborne botulism, symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food. However, they can occur as soon as six hours or up to 10 days later.
Symptoms may include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing or breathing, paralysis — particularly of muscles used for breathing — a thick-feeling tongue, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. (To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here. ).
