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In recent times, incidents of food poisoning are on the rise, especially botulism poisoning from pork sausage, resulting in hospitalizations and fatalities. This issue is closely related to food safety and unhealthy eating habits. Particularly during hot weather, the risk of botulism poisoning escalates. Let's explore the causes and prevention methods of botulism poisoning for the entire family with PasGo!
1. Escalating Cases of Botulism Poisoning from Pork Sausage
Within a short period, at least 6 individuals in Ho Chi Minh City (including 3 children and 3 adults) have been diagnosed with botulism poisoning and required hospitalization. Among them, 5 cases were attributed to botulism toxin in pork sausage.
Increasing Incidence of Botulism Poisoning
- On May 14th, Children's Hospital 2 received three siblings, including N.D. (13 years old), N.H. (14 years old), and N.X. (10 years old), from Thu Duc City, with symptoms of weakness and worsening respiratory failure. Their relatives informed the doctors that on May 13th, they had eaten an unidentified type of sausage purchased from an aunt and showed signs of spoilage.
Later that afternoon, they began experiencing dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Among them, N.D. developed severe respiratory failure and required mechanical ventilation and treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
- Also on May 13th, two other siblings (18 and 26 years old, residing in Thu Duc City) had eaten bread with sausage purchased from a street vendor, and a 45-year-old man had consumed a type of fermented fish sauce that had been stored for a long time.
After eating, all three patients experienced gastrointestinal disturbances, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. On May 15th, they began experiencing muscle weakness and difficulty swallowing. The 18-year-old patient progressed the fastest and was admitted to the Tropical Diseases Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City, while the 26-year-old brother, having milder symptoms, went to Cho Ray Hospital for treatment. Subsequently, the 45-year-old man was also admitted to Gia Dinh People's Hospital.
- Currently, two cases, aged 18 and 45, have developed muscle paralysis and are unable to breathe independently, while the 26-year-old patient is also at risk of worsening due to depletion of botulism antitoxin medication.
2. Warning about Eating Habits Leading to Botulism Poisoning
Recent cases of botulism poisoning serve as a warning bell about food safety and unhealthy eating habits. Equip yourself with knowledge about botulism poisoning to prevent it for yourself and your family.
2.1. What is Botulism Poisoning?
Botulinum toxin is a type of protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is the most potent toxin known, with a lethal dose when injected of about 1.2-1.3 ng/kg and when inhaled of 10-13 ng/kg. This means even a tiny amount can be deadly.
Botulism Poisoning is Extremely Dangerous and Can Be Fatal
Under oxygen-deprived conditions, C. botulinum bacteria form spores and produce toxin. Botulinum toxin can be found in various foods, including low-acid vegetables such as green beans, greens, mushrooms, and beets,... It can also exist in canned foods, fermented fish, salted fish, and smoked fish, as well as meat products like luncheon meat and sausages. Recent typical cases include botulism poisoning from pork sausage.
Botulism poisoning is a severe condition, characterized by symptoms such as drooping eyelids and abnormal facial, eye, and throat muscle expressions. The bacteria produce a toxin that affects the nervous system, causing weakness and paralysis of muscles. Untreated cases of botulism poisoning can lead to death.
2.2. Symptoms of Botulism Poisoning
After being exposed to botulinum toxin, it enters the digestive system where it is not destroyed by digestive enzymes or stomach acid, but rather absorbed into the bloodstream from the intestines and colon. Subsequently, it invades nerve cells and inhibits the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at nerve endings. Blocking this nerve transmission leads to motor paralysis symptoms. Typically, symptoms appear about 12-36 hours after ingestion (and may last up to 1 week after ingestion).
Vomiting is a common symptom of botulism poisoning
- Digestive-related symptoms include: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, followed by symptoms of intestinal paralysis, causing constipation.
- Neurological symptoms include symmetrical total paralysis from the facial area to the feet. Accompanied by symptoms such as drooping eyelids, double vision, blurred vision, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, difficulty speaking, hoarse voice, and dry mouth. Subsequently, symptoms of arm paralysis, chest and abdominal muscle paralysis, and paralysis of both legs will occur.
- Bone tendon reflex is often reduced or lost, with no sensory disturbances.
- In cases of mild botulism poisoning, patients may experience fatigue, muscle weakness, and bodily exhaustion, causing difficulty in performing strenuous activities,... However, if the poisoning is severe, the condition progresses rapidly. Patients may lose control of all muscles, leading to airway obstruction, respiratory failure, and potentially resulting in respiratory arrest and death.
2.3. Eating Habits Leading to Botulism Poisoning
Food poisoning occurs when individuals consume food contaminated with spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Improper food storage allows bacteria to grow and release toxin into the food. Most cases of botulism poisoning in Vietnam are attributed to prolonged consumption of fried spring rolls.
Improper food storage habits can lead to food poisoning
Food poisoning often occurs when consumers make and store canned foods unsafely or when they come into contact with businesses that do not adhere to food safety regulations.
Other sources of food poisoning may include:
- Herb-infused oils.
- Potatoes baked wrapped in aluminum foil.
- Canned foods: Canned tomatoes, garlic packed in jars, canned cheese sauce, canned fish,...
- Precooked foods left at high temperatures or not refrigerated, or left in the refrigerator for prolonged periods,...
- Botulism poisoning can also occur in infants when they ingest spores of the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. These spores will develop into bacteria in the baby's intestines and produce toxins causing illness. Honey can also become contaminated with spores and cause botulism in infants in some cases. That's why doctors advise against feeding honey to children until they reach at least one year old.
3. Preventing Botulism Poisoning
To prevent the risk of botulism poisoning, we need to adopt a scientific eating habit:
- Refrigerate food within 2 hours after cooking. Proper refrigeration will prevent the growth of bacteria and spores.
- Cook food thoroughly to ensure bacteria are destroyed completely.
- Avoid using canned foods with signs of spoilage or swelling. These could be signs of bacteria or toxin production.
- If self-sterilizing canned foods at home, use a pressure cooker at 250°F (121°C) for 30 minutes.
- Discard any preserved food with a foul odor or abnormal appearance.
Do not feed infants honey
Regarding infant botulism:
- Avoid infants under 1 year old from consuming or being fed honey, as it can cause botulism poisoning.
- In case of accidental poisoning: Continue breastfeeding if possible, as it may slow down the development of botulism poisoning.
Additionally, when there are open wounds, thorough cleaning and careful disinfection are necessary to prevent C. botulinum contamination through these wounds.
Cases of botulism poisoning from pork sausage are quite rare in Vietnam. However, maintaining unhealthy eating habits poses a high risk of poisoning. Choose foods with clear origins and dine at reputable restaurants for quality assurance! If you have any doubts about dining locations, feel free to contact PasGo!
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