After back-to-back reports of people with botulism in Clovis and Caruthers, Fresno County Health Department officials have launched an investigation into the source of the outbreak.
According to news reports, health officials in the county were made aware of the Caruthers outbreak, which occurred June 21 at a family event. Another outbreak was reported on June 22 in Clovis, also at a family event.
Ongoing Investigation
Fresno County Interim Health Officer Dr. Rais Vohra said his department is working closely with area hospitals and state and national agencies to determine the cause of this botulism outbreak.
He said the risk to the public is currently low, but health officials are working to trace those who may have consumed the contaminated food to ensure they are monitored and treated promptly.
Even though botulism is not an illness transmitted from person to person, Vohra said the two incidents in Caruthers and Clovis serve as a reminder to practice food safety, particularly before the Fourth of July holiday.
Those who attended either of the Fresno County events and are presenting symptoms of botulism are urged to call their healthcare provider or visit their local emergency department as soon as possible.
What Causes Botulism Food Poisoning?
Consuming foods tainted with the botulinum toxin, which the bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces, causes botulism food poisoning. This bacterium is commonly found in the soil and can survive and grow in low-oxygen environments, such as improperly canned or preserved foods.
Here are some methods by which the bacteria that causes botulism contaminates food products:
Improper food preservation: Clostridium botulinum bacteria can produce heat-resistant spores. If food is improperly processed, such as not heated sufficiently during canning, these spores can survive and germinate in sealed cans or jars.
Inadequate food storage: Foods not stored at appropriate temperatures can also be at risk. For example, keeping homemade canned goods at room temperature or in warm conditions for extended periods can promote bacterial growth and toxin production.
Incorrect handling: Contamination can occur if food handlers do not follow proper hygiene, allowing bacteria from the soil or other contaminated sources to enter food during preparation or serving.
Common sources of botulism contamination include canned vegetables (especially low-acid ones like green beans), improperly preserved meats, smoked or fermented fish, honey (in rare cases causing infant botulism), and herb-infused oils.
Following strict food safety guidelines when canning, preserving, and handling foods is crucial to preventing botulism.
This includes using proper canning techniques, maintaining proper storage temperatures, and avoiding consuming foods from damaged or bulging cans or jars.
Prompt medical attention is necessary if botulism poisoning is suspected, as the toxin can lead to severe paralysis and potentially fatal respiratory failure if untreated.
How to Tell if You Have Botulism Food Poisoning
Botulism food poisoning can present with several unique symptoms, typically appearing within 12 to 36 hours after consuming contaminated food. Common signs include blurred or double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, dry mouth, muscle weakness, and, eventually, paralysis, which can affect the muscles that enable a person to breathe.
The key distinguishing feature of botulism is its “descending paralysis,” which means it typically starts in the head and face area and progresses downwards through the body. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are less common with botulism compared to other types of food poisoning.
If you suspect botulism or food poisoning, seek immediate medical attention. Diagnosis is often based on symptoms and a history of consuming potentially contaminated food, as well as confirmatory tests such as examining the food for toxins or bacteria and clinical tests to detect the presence of botulinum toxin in blood, stool, or wound samples.
Early treatment with antitoxin and supportive care can significantly impact your health.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Botulism Food Poisoning?
Determining liability for botulism and food poisoning can be a complex matter. It usually depends on various factors, including where the contamination occurred, how it happened, and whether negligence or improper handling contributed to the outbreak.
Food manufacturer or processor: If botulism contamination arises from commercially produced foods, such as canned or processed foods, the manufacturer or processor may be liable. Such liability can stem from failures in quality control, inadequate sterilization processes during canning or packaging, or improper handling of ingredients.
Retailer or distributor: Retailers and distributors can also be liable if they sell contaminated products and it can be shown that they were aware of potential risks or failed to conduct adequate inspections or recalls.
Restaurant or food service: In cases where botulism stems from food prepared or served at restaurants or food service establishments, the establishment may be liable if it fails to follow proper food safety protocols, such as storing food at the correct temperatures or using proper cleaning practices.
Individual or household: In instances of homemade or home-canned goods, liability may extend to the individual or household that produced the contaminated food if it can be demonstrated that they were negligent in their food preservation techniques or failed to recognize potential risks.
Government or regulatory agencies: If lapses in food safety inspections or oversight can be shown, liability may be attributed to government agencies or regulatory bodies.
Proving liability in botulism cases often involves thorough investigation and analysis by food safety experts, microbiologists, and legal professionals.
It requires establishing a clear chain of events from the source of contamination to the illness, documenting any breaches in food safety protocols, and demonstrating that these breaches directly contributed to the botulism poisoning.
What Damages Can Victims Seek?
If you have suffered from botulism or food poisoning, here are some of the damages you can seek:
Medical expenses: This includes reimbursement for all medical costs related to the treatment of botulism, such as hospitalization, medication, doctor visits, therapy, and rehabilitation.
Lost income: If the illness resulted in missed work days or inability to work due to ongoing health issues, victims can seek compensation for lost wages or loss of earning capacity.
Pain and suffering: It is possible to seek compensation for the illness’s physical suffering, emotional distress, and decreased quality of life.
Future medical costs: If ongoing medical care or monitoring is required due to botulism, victims may seek compensation for anticipated future medical expenses.
Wrongful death: In cases where botulism results in death, surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and medical expenses incurred by the decedent for the food poisoning.
Punitive damages: In some instances where gross negligence or intentional misconduct is proven, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future.
Contacting an Experienced California Food Poisoning Lawyer
Seeking compensation after food poisoning typically involves filing a personal injury lawsuit against the party responsible for the contamination, such as a food manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or even an individual in cases of homemade products.
Consulting with an experienced Fresno personal injury attorney specializing in foodborne illness and food poisoning cases is crucial to understanding the legal options available and navigating the complexities of seeking compensation for botulism and food poisoning.
Source: https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/local-news/fresno-county-health-department-investigating-botulism-cases/
