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
The progression of symptoms can include paralysis of the respiratory muscles, arms, legs and trunk. Symptoms generally appear 18 to 36 hours after ingesting contaminated food. However, in some cases, symptoms may not appear for up to 10 days.
Infants with botulism can appear lethargic, have a weak cry or poor muscle tone and may feed poorly.
On April 22, antitoxins were delivered and distributed to several Ohio hospitals where attendees who fell ill are receiving treatment. Health officials are asking those who were at the event and are experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention right away.
The Cincinnati personal injury law firm O’Connor, Acciani & Levy send their deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy and wish those who are still recuperating a speedy recovery.