FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Following two back-to-back reports of people with botulism in Clovis and Caruthers, the Fresno County Health Department has announced an active investigation into the outbreak.
According to the health department, botulism is a rare but serious illness that can attack the body’s nerves, leading to muscle paralysis.
In severe cases, the health department says it can lead to difficulty breathing and even death.
Botulism is contracted by ingesting a toxin through improperly home-canned, preserved, or fermented foods, or wounds infected with the bacteria.
The health department says they were made aware of the outbreak in the Valley through an incident that occurred on June 21 in Caruthers at a family event followed by another reported case of botulism in Clovis the next day.
“Our local health department is working closely with area hospitals, state, and national health agencies on this outbreak,” Dr. Rais Vohra, Interim Health Officer for Fresno County said.
Vohra says the risk to the public is currently low but the health department is still working to trace those who may have consumed the contaminated food to ensure they get timely monitoring and treatment.
Though the health department says botulism cannot be spread from person to person, Vohra says the two incidents serve as a reminder to practice food safety leading into the upcoming holiday.
“This is also a good reminder for everyone to maintain safe food handling practices as we prepare for upcoming Independence Day festivities.”
Those who attended the family event and present botulism symptoms are urged to call their healthcare provider or visit their local emergency department as soon as possible.
For more information on botulism, visit Botulism (ca.gov).
The FCDPH is monitoring the situation in collaboration with the CDPH and partner health agencies. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
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