Botulism Case Reported with 4 Victims: What Did the Citizens Eat?

The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that on December 23, a case of botulism was registered in the Ararat region, involving 4 victims.

The poisoning was caused by home-preserved cucumber marinade, after which the patients exhibited symptoms characteristic of botulism. The affected individuals were transferred to the Armenia Republican Medical Center and Muratsan Medical Center, where they were immediately administered anti-botulinum polyvalent serum. Doctors assess the condition of the poisoned individuals as severe.

Considering the severe nature of this illness and to avoid further complications, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia advises the following:

• Avoid consuming preserves made at home.
• Before consuming home-made preserves, subject them to thermal processing by boiling the contents for 20-25 minutes.
• Avoid buying homemade preserves from markets or random individuals.
• Seek medical help immediately upon the first signs of illness.

It is important to remember that the main symptoms of botulism include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, dizziness, general weakness, dry mouth, vision disturbances (blurred vision, double vision), pupil dilation, drooping eyelid, speech disturbances (hoarseness, nasal voice), shortness of breath, swallowing difficulties, and paralysis. These symptoms can appear within 2-3 hours to 10 days after consuming contaminated food.

Botulism is a severe food poisoning disease caused by Clostridium botulinum. The pathogenic bacterium exists in the environment as spores in the soil, which can then contaminate vegetables and greens. The growth and development of this pathogen require anaerobic conditions, in which it multiplies and produces toxins. Such conditions are created in hermetically sealed preserves.

The destruction of the pathogen is only possible with special equipment in autoclaves under high pressure (1.5-2 atmospheres) and heat (1200-1300°C), which are only available in food preservation production facilities. It is impossible to ensure these conditions at home.

Food contaminated with botulism does not change its taste, smell, color, or appearance.

The patients have been transferred to the Armenia Republican Medical Center and Muratsan Medical Center.