Following a botulism outbreak at an April 19 potluck in Lancaster, Ohio, a 54-year-old local woman has succumbed to the foodborne illness and 23 others are sick. If you got sick due to someone's homemade canned goods contact a leading personal injury attorney today for a free legal consultation. Doctors and officials from Fairfield Medical Center revealed that they are still determining what food may have caused the botulism outbreak at the Cross Pointe Free Will Baptist Church potluck. Health officials are currently collecting samples from the church's trash bins for leads and going into homes to test samples of homemade canned goods used for some of the potluck dishes. Originally, 17 people were suspected of being infected with the botulism bacteria, but officials said on Wednesday that the number has climbed to 23.
About Botulism
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, approximately 145 cases of botulism are reported each year. Foodborne botulism makes up about 15 percent of all botulism cases, some of which can be attributed to home-canned foods with acid content that is too low. Some common symptoms of botulism include:- Blurred or double vision
- Droopy eyelids
- Slurred speech
- Dry mouth
- Muscle aches
- Difficulty swallowing
