*UPDATE* Cause of fatal botulism outbreak determined
Update: The cause of the botulism outbreak that left 21 people sick and one dead after a potluck at Cross Pointe Free Baptist Church has been identified. The Fairfield Department of Health determined that potato salad made from home-canned potatoes is the suspected cause. Since the outbreak, several health officials have encouraged people to learn proper home-canning techniques, in the hopes of preventing another botulism outbreak. (deb)
Previously April 22, 2015
Church potluck dinner linked to fatal botulism outbreak
One person has died. Twenty-three others are being treated for symptoms of botulism. All were in attendance at a weekend potluck dinner at Lancaster’s Cross Pointe Free Will Baptist Church. The National Institute of Health identifies botulism as a rare, potentially fatal disease. Symptoms include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. Symptoms begin to materialize within hours of ingesting contaminated food. (Officials at this point are confirming the the potluck botulism was brought on by a churchgoers contaminated home-canned goods.)
Doctors have begun using anti-toxins from the national stockpile to treat patients. Some affected are reportedly on ventilators and half of those patients have been transferred from Fairfield county to hospitals in Columbus.
Anyone else who attended the potluck event and is showing signs of the disease is strongly encouraged to go to the nearest ER. (jj)
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