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Suspected botulism: five people in serious condition
Suspected botulism: five people in serious condition
(France 2)
Five people from the same family were hospitalized in Tours, in Indre-et-Loire, for probable cases of botulism. The poisoning originated from canned pesto.
Cans of wild garlic pesto, which could potentially cause cases of botulism, were sold at a festival on the weekend of September 7 and 8 by a local producer. “So far, no problems have been reported.”assures Cyrille Brayé-Lécureuil, director of the Château de la Bourdaisière. Five adults from the same family were poisoned after consuming this pesto and are hospitalized in Tours (Indre-et-Loire).
These are probable cases of botulism, a food poisoning caused by a bacteria that secretes powerful toxins. Symptoms generally appear between 12 and 72 hours after consumption of the contaminated food. The Regional Health Agency calls for the greatest vigilance. In the event of symptoms (vision problems, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, difficulty speaking), people who have consumed this food are advised to consult a doctor. Botulism can be fatal in 5% to 10% of cases.