Botulism is deadly!

Cases of botulism are registered annually in the Kyiv region, including fatalities. All fatalities are associated with the consumption of dried, lightly salted or dried fish, mostly home-made.

This year, 4 cases of botulism have been reported, two of which were in the second decade of May, related to the consumption of dried fish. In one case, it was due to the consumption of dried fish purchased from an unknown person, and in the other - via Internet delivery. The course of the disease in one of the victims is very severe. The patient is receiving specialised medical care.

Both cases were confirmed by laboratory tests. During laboratory testing by PCR in the Laboratory of Particularly Dangerous Infections of the Department of Biological Factors Research of the State Institution "Kyiv Regional Centre for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine", botulinum toxin type E was detected in samples of biological material from patients and the remains of dried fish after consumption by patients, which confirms the clinically established diagnoses: "Botulism".

Botulism is a very dangerous food poisoning that occurs when you eat foods that have accumulated botulinum toxin during the reproduction of the microorganism. The causative agent grows in anaerobic conditions (without oxygen) in case of violation of the conditions of preparation, storage or transportation of finished food products.

Botulinum toxin is one of the most potent toxins known, blocking nerve function and leading to respiratory and musculoskeletal paralysis and death. The mortality rate in Ukraine from botulism reaches more than 20.0%.

Most often, botulinum toxin is released from dried, lightly salted, dried fish, canned meat products (pates, stews), canned mushrooms and chopped, slightly acidic home-made vegetable salads. It should also be noted that botulinum toxin often accumulates in "nests" in foods, so when several people consume the same product, not everyone may develop the disease, but those who are "lucky" enough to eat the infected part.

It should be noted that under favourable anaerobic conditions, toxin formation takes place in a fairly short period of time, within 12-24 hours. Botulinum toxin is destroyed only by prolonged heat treatment (boiling for at least 15 minutes).

The susceptibility to botulism is very high. You can get foodborne botulism at any age. The course of the disease is gradual, with a variety of clinical manifestations. The first symptoms of the disease most often occur 12-24 hours after consuming contaminated food. The more severe the disease, the shorter the incubation period. The most common manifestations are:

- dyspeptic syndrome

- dry mouth

- hoarseness of the voice and difficulty swallowing

- increased fatigue, muscle weakness

- unsteadiness when walking, dizziness

- visual impairment (diplopia, mesh in front of the eyes, flickering)

- lesions of the neck and limb muscles

- respiratory disorders.

If you experience any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to self-medicate, but immediately contact the nearest medical facility for help. It is important to diagnose and start treatment in time, as timely administration of antitoxin serum or botulinum heptavalent anatoxin can save lives.

To protect yourself from botulism, you should:

- do not consume canned, dried, smoked, salted fish, etc., do not buy these products from unauthorised retailers or private individuals;

- the slightest swelling of the lid of a canned product is a reason to categorically refuse to eat the contents of this can;

- Before salting fish at home, it is necessary to clean the insides of the fish, thoroughly wash the outer and inner surfaces;

- It is not recommended to preserve mushrooms in hermetically sealed jars at home, as it is difficult to completely clean them from soil particles.

The best way to protect your health is to refrain from consuming food whose quality is not known to the consumer!

Pam'Remember, You are the only one who can take care of your own health and life and that of your family. Take care of your health and the health of your loved ones, especially children.