The Fresno County Health Department has initiated an investigation into a recent outbreak of botulism following reports of individuals in Clovis and Caruthers contracting the illness. Botulism is a rare but serious illness that affects the body’s nerves, leading to muscle paralysis and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing and death. The illness is typically contracted by ingesting a toxin from improperly home-canned, preserved, or fermented foods, or from wounds infected with the bacteria.
The health department was alerted to the outbreak through incidents that occurred at a family event in Caruthers on June 21, followed by another case reported in Clovis the next day. Dr. Rais Vohra, Interim Health Officer for Fresno County, emphasized that the risk to the public is currently low, but efforts are underway to trace individuals who may have consumed contaminated food to provide monitoring and treatment as needed.
While botulism is not spread from person to person, it is important to practice food safety measures, especially leading into the upcoming holiday. Those who attended the family event and are experiencing symptoms of botulism are advised to seek medical attention promptly, either through their healthcare provider or at a local emergency department.
The Fresno County Department of Public Health is collaborating with state and national health agencies to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available. For more details on botulism, individuals can visit the website of the California Department of Public Health.