Epidemiologic investigation on a botulism outbreak associated to the ingestion of pie leftovers and salty snacks – Santos (SP), August, 2007

Abstract

 Foodborne botulism is a potentially lethal neuroparalytic disease caused by the ingestion of neurotoxins present in food contaminated by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, in generally, associated with homemade vegetables, and canned fruits meats. On August 23, 2007, the Epidemiologic Surveillance department from the city of Santos notified a suspicious botulism case to the Center for Epidemiologic Surveillance, and later, one more case linked to the first, one resident in city of Santos, other in Praia Grande, SP. Botulism diagnosis was done by clinical criteria, i.e., by clinical features and electroneuromyografy compatibles with illness. This report summarizes the finding of the outbreak investigation which linked the disease to the common ingestion of chicken pie and other commercial salt roasted food. Later suspected and notification obstructed the prompt laboratorial specific exams and the administration of therapeutic antitoxin. Educational and sanitary measures were developed to prevent new cases and outbreaks