CA: Rare botulism outbreak in Sarcramento Co.- 10 cases; 1 death

[Shiloh]

Source: http://wdef.com/2017/05/08/rare-botu...-hospitalized/

Rare botulism outbreak leaves 5 hospitalized

Five people have been sickened in Walnut Grove, California by a rare type of food poisoning called botulism.

CBS Sacramento

Sacramento County Public Health officials have issued a health warning about a botulism outbreak that?s sent five people to the hospital. All five are in serious condition linked to the rare and potentially fatal type of food poisoning, CBS Sacramento reports.

Officials are still investigating the exact cause of the outbreak, but they believe people got sick after eating prepared foods, including such items as pre-packed sandwiches, dairy products and other snacks from a local gas station in Walnut Grove.

A red warning sign from the county is posted on the door to Valley Oak Food and Fuel to warn customers. Inside, part of the store is roped off to keep customers away from buying food items...

[Pathfinder]

CBS NEWS May 19, 2017, 11:48 AM

California botulism outbreak tied to gas station nacho cheese sauce

California health inspectors have linked last week's botulism outbreak -- a rare and sometimes fatal form of food poisoning -- to a nacho cheese sauce traced back to a mom-and-pop gas station in Walnut Grove, CBS Sacramento reports.

Outside, Valley Oak Food and Fuel is open for business, but inside, health officials have stopped the sale of food items and roped off a part of the store.

State and county health officials have confirmed nine people have been hospitalized, including possibly a 16-year-old. Five cases were first reported on May 5. This week four more people have become sick. A tenth person is being tested after showing similar symptoms related to the rare and potentially fatal illness.
...

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-botulism-outbreak-tied-to-gas-station-nacho-cheese-sauce/

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Antioch man?s death possibly linked to gas station nacho cheese botulism outbreak
...
By AARON DAVIS | aarondavis@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group
PUBLISHED: May 19, 2017 at 2:53 pm | UPDATED: May 20, 2017 at 12:24 pm
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ANTIOCH ? The outbreak of foodborne botulism originating from a gas station in Walnut Grove has left 10 people hospitalized, the state Department of Health reported Friday, and an Antioch resident may have died as a result.

The botulism was reported to have come from nacho cheese sauce sold at the Valley Oak Food and Fuel gas station in Walnut Grove.

A 37-year-old man from Antioch also died in a hospital in San Francisco on Thursday night after contracting what his family said is a rare case of botulism. ABC7 News reported on Friday that Martin Galindo contracted botulism from nacho cheese bought at the gas station and was being treated in San Francisco.
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http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/05/19/ten-hospitalized-after-gas-station-nacho-cheese-botulism-outbreak/

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA.../NR17-047.aspx
CDPH Testing Confirms Botulism Linked to Nacho Cheese Sauce
Sold at Sacramento County Gas Station

Date: May 22, 2017
Number: 17-047
Contact: Ali Bay or Corey Egel (916) 440-7259

SACRAMENTO ? The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) tested and confirmed that nacho cheese sauce that was sold at a gas station in Sacramento County has tested positive for the toxin that causes botulism. The toxin found in the cheese sauce is the same type identified in patients for whom CDPH has results.

CDPH has received reports of 10 cases of botulism linked to this outbreak, and has learned that one patient has died. The nacho cheese sauce was removed from sale on May 5. CDPH believes there is no continuing risk to the public.

?While there are still unanswered questions about this outbreak, these tragic illnesses are important reminders to be vigilant about food safety,? said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. ?As we head into the summer barbecue season, both indoor and outdoor chefs need to be on guard against all foodborne illnesses.?

Botulism cases are reported to CDPH so that appropriate action can be taken to protect public health. For botulism and other foodborne diseases, CDPH and local public health departments receive case reports, conduct investigations to determine possible sources of exposure, test laboratory specimens to identify and link foodborne illnesses, take action to ensure food items that pose a risk to public health are no longer available, provide information to the public about how to prevent disease, and publish data about overall disease trends and risks.

For foodborne diseases, CDPH does not track patient conditions or outcomes. To protect patient privacy, CDPH is not sharing information about the patients affected in this botulism outbreak, their conditions, or the four counties that have reported cases.

CDPH and local health departments have notified health care providers to be aware of the symptoms of botulism, including:

• Double or blurred vision.
• Drooping eyelids.
• Slurred speech.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Dry mouth.
• Muscle weakness.

People experiencing these symptoms should contact their health care providers immediately.

Foodborne botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulism can be treated with antitoxin and supportive care, often in an intensive care unit. Botulism is fatal in about 5 percent of cases.

The toxin that causes botulism can be found in foods that are not properly processed or stored. It is odorless and colorless, so it is not possible to tell if a product is contaminated just by looking at it.
In the kitchen or at your backyard grill, simple steps can prevent many types of foodborne illnesses, including:

• Cook - Make sure foods are cooked to the right temperature.
• Clean - Wash hands and surfaces often.
• Chill - Refrigerate foods properly.
• Separate - Separate raw meats from other foods.

Consumers can find more food-safety information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Botulism information and data can be found on the CDPH website and the CDC website.