Botulism Case Registered in Lori Province

On January 21, 2022, a case of botulism was recorded in Lori Province, affecting one individual. Epidemiological investigation revealed that the poisoning was caused by homemade caviar. This was reported by the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Currently, the patient is at Armenia Medical Center, and their condition is assessed as moderate. We remind you that food contaminated with botulism may not alter its taste, smell, color, or appearance. Symptoms of the disease include general weakness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, visual disturbances (blurriness, net), double vision, voice changes (hoarseness, whispering), dry mouth, and swallowing difficulties. Symptoms may appear within 2-3 hours to 10 days following exposure.

To avoid botulism, the Ministry of Health urges the public once again to: avoid consuming homemade preserved foods; subject homemade preserves to thermal processing by boiling the contents for 20-25 minutes; refrain from purchasing homemade preserves from markets or random individuals; and seek medical attention immediately upon the first signs of symptoms.

Botulism is a severe food poisoning caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The pathogen exists in the environment in the form of spores in the soil, from where it can pass onto 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 jars sealed tightly with lids. The elimination of the pathogen is achieved only through special equipment—autoclaves under high pressure (1.5-2 atmospheres) and at temperatures of 120-130°C, which are available only in food production facilities, and cannot be replicated in home conditions.