It is a disease that can be fatal in 5 to 10% of cases: botulism. The Ministry of Health and Prevention warns of “ten cases clinically suggestive of foodborne botulism”. Currently, health authorities report one person dead and eight patients hospitalized, “including seven people in intensive care or in a continuous monitoring unit”.
The authorities specify that all the patients ate sardines in jars made by the restaurant “TCHIN TCHIN WINE BAR”. “People who have frequented this Bordeaux establishment are called upon to be extremely vigilant and to consult in the event of symptoms”, underlines the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Health Agency. But what is this disease and what are the symptoms?
[#Botulisme] ⚠️ Emergency Serious food poisoning: 10 cases of botulism, including 8 hospitalized and 1 death, linked to visiting a restaurant in Bordeaux
? Read the press release https://t.co/gQ3yf43FwQ pic.twitter.com/2XJWPhprxV— SantépubliqueFrance (@SantePubliqueFr) September 13, 2023
Botulism: what is this serious neurological condition which has led to death?
Botulism is “a serious neurological condition caused by a very potent toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum”, presents the Pasteur Institute. It synthesizes a “extremely powerful toxin”responsible for the disease. “Of the seven types of botulism known today, four (types A, B, E and more rarely F) affect humans”specifies the Pasteur Institute.
The latter is developing in particular in foods that do not have not undergone an extensive sterilization process, such as, for example, homemade cans or even cold meats. The mode of transmission can be through food, following a wound or following colonization of the intestine by C. botulinum in the case of infant botulism. In France, food contamination represents the majority of cases.
What are the symptoms of botulism?
The incubation period, the time between contamination and the appearance of the first symptoms, can vary, from a few hours to several days. “Botulism is an acute neurological condition, without the presence fever nor sensory disorders”, underlines the Nouvelle Aquitaine Regional Health Agency.
In the case of foodborne botulism, symptoms can appear between two hours and eight days. “In general, people who have shared the same foods manifest identical symptoms but with varying severity” specifies the Gironde prefecture.
Among these symptoms, we note:
- digestive symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea),
- eye damage (blurred vision),
- difficulty swallowing and dry mouth,
- neurological disorders,
- speech problems,
- paralysis of the muscles, going so far as to cause respiratory failure.
Why is it essential to consult at the first symptoms of botulism?
As the Pasteur Institute explains, the treatment is “mainly symptomatic”. For the severe formsthere Serotherapy should be administered within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. It is “the therapeutic use of animal or human sera rich in specific antibodies and capable of neutralizing a microbial antigen, a toxin, a bacteria, a venom or a virus”as specified in Larousse.
To limit the risks, the Pasteur Institute insists on “compliance with hygiene rules relating to the preparation and conservation of foodstuffs”.
Source :
Ministry of Health and Prevention
Gironde Prefecture / Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Health Agency
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