Hospitalized for several weeks after contamination by the toxin of botulism, a 78 -year -old retiree unfortunately died on Monday evening near Cholet. A homemade can be at the origin of his contamination.
6 contaminated people, a simple house canned question
In a statement dated July 17, in fact, the ARS announced that six people had been hospitalized between July 7 and 14 after having “Shared, at different moments, a carrot cake made from carrots put in jar by one of the couples “. “”None of these foods have been marketed ” underlined the agency. This woman had herself “Prepared the preserves” Carrots suspected of having contaminated several couples of retired people announced on Wednesday the Angers prosecutor, Éric Bouillard.
While a person is still in intensive care at the moment, an investigation in search of the causes of death is open. Even if botulism remains “The main hypothesis issued by the ARS “ To explain the death
What is botulism?
Unfortunately this victim is not the first, and probably not the last, of a risk still too little known. In 2024, five people were also resuscitated at the Tours hospital center after tasting cans of the bear’s garlic, made by a restaurateur.
Botulism is a rare but serious infection, caused by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. For Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency artist, it’s a serious medical emergency: “Botulism is caused by a neurotoxin which, in the absence of treatment, can cause progressive muscle paralysis, potentially fatal.”
There are three main forms of botulism:
- Food botulism : it occurs after the ingestion of food contaminated by toxin, often due to poor conservation (poorly sterilized craft preserves, curved preserves, poorly prepared fish, etc.);
- Infantile botulism : This form mainly affects infants and results from the colonization of their intestine by the bacteria, via the ingestion of honey or dust containing spores. The Pasteur Institute describes symptoms such as loss of appetite, muscle weakness, sucking and head disorders, constipation, then paralysis and respiratory distress in serious cases;
- Botulism by injury : Rarer, it occurs when the bacteria contaminates a wound. It is especially observed in people using injection drugs, in a similar way to tetanus.
The mortality rate of botulism varies between 5 and 10 %.
What are the symptoms of botulism?
Symptoms generally appear a few hours to a few days after exposure, according to the mode of contamination. People who have consumed the same foods often have similar signs, with variable severity.
The first symptoms include:
- Early, sometimes transient digestive disorders: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Vision disorders (blurred vision, difficulty in accommodating);
- Persistent oral drought;
- Difficulties swallowing or speaking;
- Then progressive muscle paralysis.
In the most serious cases, this paralysis extends to the members and then to the respiratory muscles, requiring intensive care management.
How do you take care of poisoning?
If diagnosed in time, botulism can be treated. “”There is a botulinum antitoxin which makes it possible to neutralize toxin, provided you are administered within the first 24 hours following the appearance of symptoms “explains Dr. Kierzek.
Serious forms often require respiratory assistance in intensive care unit. Note that antibiotics are ineffective against toxin itself, but can be used to treat infant botulism, where the bacteria is still present in the infant organism.
Preventing botulism: good reflexes
The best weapon against botulism remains prevention. Here are the essential recommendations:
- Never consume preserves damaged, curved or suspects;
- Always bake food well, especially those put in home.
- Separate raw foods from cooked foods to avoid cross contamination;
- Use clean water and safe food products;
- Do not give honey to a child under a year old.