Several cases of botulism were confirmed by the FCDPH this week, prompting officials to remind the public about safe food handling practices. Adobe Stock image.

The Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) is working closely with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the suspected multi-person case of botulism in the Fresno area.

It is believed the botulism is related to contaminated food consumed at a family event Friday, June 21, in Caruthers and Saturday, June 22, in Clovis. 

According to county officials, botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum and related bacteria. The toxin can attack the body’s nerves leading to muscle paralysis-particularly of facial nerves, and in severe cases difficulty breathing and even death. Individuals can get botulism by ingesting the toxin through improperly home-canned, preserved or fermented foods, or through wounds infected with the bacteria. 

“Our local health department is working closely with area hospitals, state, and national health agencies on this outbreak. While the risk to the general population is low, we are actively tracing those who may have consumed the contaminated food to ensure they get timely monitoring and treatment,” says Dr. Rais Vohra, Interim Health Officer for Fresno County. “This is also a good reminder for everyone to maintain safe food handling practices as we prepare for upcoming Independence Day festivities.” 

Symptoms of botulism usually begin with weakness and dizziness, followed by blurred vision, drooping eyelids, and difficulty speaking or swallowing. As the illness progresses, it can cause paralysis that begins in the upper body and moves down to the lower extremities. Anyone ill with symptoms of botulism are advised to visit a health care provider immediately to be assessed. 

To avoid food-borne botulism, the county advises that residents follow proper guidelines for home-canning and preserving foods and that any items to be preserved are thoroughly cleaned of any soil prior to preparing.

In a zoom meeting with county officials and the media Dr. Rais Vohra, Interim Health Officer for Fresno County, said that the risk to the public is low but the health department is still searching for anyone who may have consumed the contaminated food in an effort to ensure they get timely monitoring and treatment.

The FCDPH is collaborating with the CDPH to ensure that local hospitals are adequately supplied to treat botulism and is asking the community to contact their healthcare provider if they or a family member attended the family event and present with botulism symptoms.

County officials stress that botulism is not spread person to person. The FCDPH is continuing to monitor the situation in collaboration with the CDPH and partner health agencies and will update the media as new details become available