The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Wednesday of a recent outbreak of botulism in France, which has already left one death, and stressed that more infections could be identified, including among tourists, due to the turnout for the Rugby World Cup.
“Considering the eight-day incubation period and that of the restaurant [onde foi identificada a fonte das primeiras infeções] While there were visitors from other countries during the Rugby World Cup, there is potential for additional cases in France or abroad as travelers return home.”the WHO emphasized in a statement.
The United Nations health agency indicated that the cause of the infection was sardines that, according to French health authorities, the Tchin Tchin Wine Bar, were consumed in a restaurant in Bordeaux during the week of September 4 to 10.
According to the French health authorities’ report released Friday, a total of 15 customers at that restaurant were identified as “suspected cases of botulism,” including one fatality.
In 14 of the 15 cases, the clients are foreign nationals of North American, Canadian, Irish, Greek, British and German nationality, the WHO said.
The French investigation determined from credit card receipts that about 25 people had been “exposed,” meaning they had likely consumed the suspected food.
Botulism is a serious disease, with a mortality rate between 5 and 10 percent.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, vision problems, dry mouth accompanied by difficulty swallowing or even speaking, and neurological symptoms such as lack of balance or muscle paralysis.
It is caused by a toxin generated by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which develops mainly in foods that are poorly preserved and not sufficiently sterilized, such as cured meats, cold cuts or preserves of family or artisanal origin.
Source: DN
