The recent outbreak of botulism from a batch of tainted liquid nacho cheese at a gas station in Northern California took an unfortunate turn on Wednesday, May 24, when the disease claimed its first victim.
State health officials now confirm a second botulism-related death in California, which was diagnosed a month ago. Napa County officials affirmed that this death is not related to the nacho cheese botulism cases.
For the uninitiated, 10 people were infected with the deadly disease after consuming the tainted cheese sold at the Valley Oaks Food and Fuel. Wisconsin-based Gehl Foods manufactures the cheese and is yet to issue a recall for the product.
What Is Botulism?
For the unfamiliar, botulism is a type of food poisoning and is caused from the toxins the Clostridium botulinum bacteria release. This toxin causes paralysis and in some cases can even cause death. Paralysis first affects the victim's face and then gradually spreads through the body. If the patient's lungs are paralyzed, breathing problems may arise which could lead to death.
The infection generally occurs from food or through an open wound. Before the onset of paralysis, victims usually suffer double vision, slurred speech, and facial weakness. Botulism cases are not a common occurrence as the CDC reports only around 200 cases of the infection each year in the United States.
First Northern California Botulism-Related Death Due To Nacho Cheese
Authorities identified the first botulism victim as 37-year old Martin Galindo-Larious Jr., who passed away after doctors decided to take him off life support. Due to the infection, he was unable to breathe without assistance and died just hours after being unplugged from life support On May 18.
The latest botulism infection of the nacho cheese appears to have occurred due to improper handling of the product during manufacturing. However, Gehl Foods released a statement asserting that its manufacturing process is safe. Health officials have removed the cheese products from the gas station and are investigating the matter.
Out of the remaining nine victims from the tainted nacho cheese, one remains in critical condition. A 33-year-old woman named Lavinia Kelly suffered paralysis and is being kept on respirators, without which she cannot breathe.
Can Botulism Be Cured?
The Northern California botulism outbreak created panic among residents, who are worried about the infection spreading. However, doctors said that in case of food-borne botulism, the infection can usually be cured with antitoxin injections. However, if the infection arises from a wound, then surgery is performed to remove the tissue surrounding the wound.
However, health officials stated that it may be more difficult to cure botulism if it spreads to the lungs and causes paralysis. Antitoxins are unable to reverse any paralysis, which has already occurred.
