Case of Botulism Registered in Ararat Region

The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that on November 3, a case of botulism was registered in the Avshar community of the Ararat region involving one affected individual.

“Epidemiological investigations revealed that the cause of the poisoning was home-canned tomato lecho. The patient is currently in ‘Armenia’ Medical Center, and their condition is assessed as serious. It is reminded that food contaminated with botulism may not change its taste, smell, color, or appearance. Symptoms of the disease include general weakness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, and visual disturbances (blurred vision, double vision), changes in voice (hoarseness, nasal tone), dry mouth, and swallowing difficulties. The symptoms can appear anywhere from 2-3 hours to 10 days after exposure.

To avoid botulism, the Ministry of Health once again urges people to:

• Avoid using home-canned products,
• Prior to using home-canned products, subject them to thermal processing by boiling the contents for 20-25 minutes,
• Do not purchase home-canned products from markets or random individuals,
• Consult a doctor immediately upon the first appearance of symptoms.

It should be noted that botulism is a severe food poisoning caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The pathogen is found in the external environment, in the soil in spore form, from where it can pass to fruits and vegetables. The growth and development of this pathogen require anaerobic conditions, where it multiplies and produces toxins. Such conditions are created in hermetically sealed canned goods. The destruction of the pathogen occurs only in special devices called autoclaves under high pressure (1.5-2 atmospheres) and at temperatures of 120-130°C, which are only available in canned food production facilities, and cannot be achieved in home conditions.