A botulism outbreak was reported in Fresno, California, after 10 people were reportedly hospitalized after falling ill from eating a cactus salad in a family gathering.
Two of the recorded victims are sisters in critical condition and are reportedly continuing to receive medication.
Public health officials were alarmed as to the sudden increase of reported cases. The outbreak was then traced to be reportedly caused by a home-canned cactus salad that was served at a family party.
Botulism Outbreak From Home-canned Nopales
Out of the 10 people infected with the bacteria, two of them sisters, are now in the intensive care unit of the hospital, and one of them needs a tracheostomy caused by respiratory complications.
A spokesperson for the Fresno County Department of Public Health, confirmed the news and added that the remaining eight people that were infected have now been released from the hospital.
The disease specialist with the Fresno County Department of Public Health, Norma Sanchez, during the press briefing stated that he has been with the county for 26 years, and this is the first foodborne botulism outbreak they have encountered.
However, the public agency stated that there has since been no more new cases of botulism that was reported ever since the initial outbreak.
Initially, the first two individuals who fell ill were misdiagnosed with vertigo and sent home. A thorough investigation, which included examining the family's trash and interviewing party attendees, eventually traced the botulism to the home-canned nopales.
The cook had canned the nopales herself in May. Since the incident was confined to family members and homemade food, health officials did not need to remove any nopales from grocery shelves.
Health Officials Issue Warning
Furthermore, in the press briefing, the interim health officer Dr. Rais Vohra warned the public about the fatal risk of home canning if not done properly with safety measures.
Vohra stated that he believes preserving the traditions continues to be important, the proper ways on how to safely can needs to be followed to prevent the growth of bad bacteria.
Botulism, caused by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, can arise from improperly home-canned, preserved, or fermented foods.
Symptoms include difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, and blurry vision. Dr. Vohra stressed that although botulism is potentially fatal, most people who contract it can recover fully with prompt treatment.
The Fresno County Department of Health (FCDH) was alerted to the outbreak on Monday, June 24. Ten people were hospitalized in Clovis and Selma with vertigo and blurred vision after eating cactus salad at two separate family gatherings.
Most were able to go home after being treated with an anti-toxin.
Home-Canning Practices Under Scrutiny
The 10 individuals attended family events on June 21 and June 22, where they consumed the cactus salad, known as nopales. One of the women who remained hospitalized had also eaten the salad on June 23. Botulism is often linked to home-canning, as the bacteria thrive in low-oxygen environments.
Officials initially believed the cactus in the salad was frozen. However, it was later discovered that the woman who prepared the salad used home-canned cactus she had prepared in May.
Norma Sanchez, a communicable disease specialist with FCDH, highlighted the need for caution in home-canning practices.
Dr. Vohra noted that the woman who prepared the salad might not have used enough salt to sterilize the canning environment properly. "Home-canning is common, but we urge people to be careful," he said. "The risk is real, and unfortunately, botulism can occur with home-canned nopales."
In a statement, Dr. Vohra provided an update on the sisters' conditions. "They require ventilation with machine support due to the severe impact on their muscles and nerves," she said, expressing hope for their full recovery with ongoing treatment.
