Over 100 Hospitalized, 30 in ICU, With Suspected Botulism In Moscow; Know All About This Deadly Poisoning
over 100 hospitalized, 30 in icu, with suspected botulism in moscow; know all about this deadly poisoning
In a suspected outbreak of a rare and extremely dangerous food poisoning, more than 100 people were hospitalized with 30 in intensive care in Moscow, officials said. According to health authorities, most patients were suffering from botulism – a potentially fatal illness caused by a toxin that attacks the nervous system with a high rate of fatality.
Russian authorities said the toxic outbreak was mostly likely caused due to an online delivery of salads from a popular service, which has now suspended its operations amid a criminal investigation. "In total 121 people sought medical help," state news agencies quoted Anastasia Rakova, the deputy mayor of Moscow, as saying on Monday. "At the moment 55 people are in a serious condition, 30 of them in intensive care," she added.
According to reports, the Moscow prosecutor's office has launched a criminal investigation into a breach of consumer safety standards.
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The food delivery company linked to the outbreak, Kuchnia Na Rayone - the company that delivered the salad said they had identified a potential risk incident with a salad that used tinned beans, and it had suspended orders.
What is botulism?
Botulism is a serious and rare illness caused by bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum, which produces a poison that can attack your body’s nervous system. Even though Botulism poisoning is rare, it can cause sure-shot death if not treated well in time. According to the World Health Organisation, foodborne botulism is a "serious, potentially fatal disease." It does not pass between people. "Incidence of botulism is low, but the mortality rate is high if prompt diagnosis and appropriate, immediate treatment is not given," WHO states.
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Clostridium botulinum toxins attack your nerves causing weakness and paralysis of your muscles. There are several different types of botulism. The most common kinds include foodborne botulism, infant botulism, and wound botulism.
Signs and symptoms
According to doctors, early symptoms of botulism range from mild to severe and develop anywhere from three to 30 days after exposure to the bacterium. A few of these include:
- Drooling
- Weakened cry in infants
- Reduced gag reflex
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Breathlessness
- Drooping eyelids
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Paralysis of arms and legs
- Nausea and vomiting
Ways to treat botulism
According to experts, no specific treatment can cure botulism, though mild nerve damage can heal. Antitoxins can stop further damage from the toxin.
Depending on the cause and severity, your doctor may use a variety of treatment options, which includes a medication known as antitoxin which blocks the toxin’s activity in your bloodstream. This prevents the toxins from causing any more damage. But doctors say antitoxin cannot heal what has already been damaged.
You may need to stay in the hospital for weeks or months while you heal.