The World Health Organization (WHO) warned this Wednesday about the recent outbreak of botulism in France, which has already killed one person, stressing that more infections could be diagnosed due to the turnout for the Rugby World Cup, including among tourists.
“Given the eight-day incubation period and the fact that the restaurant [onde foi identificada a fonte das primeiras infeções] attracted international visitors during the Rugby World Cup, there is a possibility that additional cases will arise in France or outside the country when travelers return home,” the WHO said in a statement.
The UN health agency indicated that the source of the infection was sardines consumed at a restaurant in Bordeaux, according to French health authorities, the Tchin Tchin wine bar, during the week of September 4 to 10.
A total of 15 diners at the restaurant were identified as “suspected cases of botulism,” including one fatality, according to a report from French health authorities released Friday.
According to WHO, in 14 out of 15 cases, the clients are foreign citizens of North American, Canadian, Irish, Greek, British and German citizenship.
The French investigation found, based on credit card receipts, that about 25 people were “exposed,” meaning they likely consumed the suspect food.
Botulism is a serious disease with a mortality rate of 5 to 10 percent.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, vision problems, dry mouth accompanied by difficulty swallowing or even speaking, and neurological symptoms such as lack of balance or muscle paralysis.
It is caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which especially develops in foods that are poorly stored and insufficiently sterilized, such as salted meats, cold cuts, or homemade or artisan canned foods.