Five People Hospitalized in France with Suspected Botulism Linked to Pesto Sauce
Five people in France have been hospitalized with suspected botulism after eating pesto sauce, health authorities said on Friday.
The five people, who are all adults, fell ill after eating the sauce, which was made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Symptoms of botulism include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, slurred speech, and muscle weakness.
The five people who were hospitalized are all in stable condition and are receiving treatment for botulism.
The health authorities are investigating the source of the outbreak and have advised people not to eat pesto sauce made with fresh basil.
What is Botulism?
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
The toxin can be found in contaminated food, such as canned goods, home-canned foods, and fermented foods.
Symptoms of botulism include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, slurred speech, and muscle weakness.
Botulism can be fatal if not treated promptly.
How to Prevent Botulism
There are a few things you can do to prevent botulism:
- Do not eat canned goods that are bulging or leaking.
- Do not eat home-canned foods that have not been properly sealed.
- Do not eat fermented foods that have been made with raw garlic or onions.
- Cook food to a safe internal temperature before eating it.
- If you have any symptoms of botulism, seek medical attention immediately.
Treatment for Botulism
There is no specific antidote for botulism, but treatment can help to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
Treatment for botulism typically includes:
- Antitoxin to neutralize the toxin
- Mechanical ventilation to support breathing
- Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration
- Antibiotics to prevent infection
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