Amarillo Officials Locate Source Of Possible Botulism Outbreak
The 4 possible cases of Botulism in Amarillo have been narrowed down to one source, one common food each person ate. Thankfully, it didn't come from a restaurant! So if you've been freaking out about you or your family possibly catching it due to something you ate somewhere, you can rest easy. Unless you ate some of your neighbor's cooking!
"All departments have worked diligently to investigate the source of the botulism outbreak. Two patients have been released and two patients remain hospitalized however all four patients continue to display signs and symptoms of botulism. Lab results have been negative to date but the investigation is ongoing.
According to the City of Amarillo, DSHS, DPH, EH and the CDC have agreed that the source for the bacteria has come from a contaminated homemade food item. All four patients have reported eating a common food source, a traditional Middle Eastern dish known as Turshi. Due to the fermentation process of the dish it is believed that conditions were ideal for botulinum toxin production and bacteria growth. The dish was not available for testing because it was consumed.
At this time no restaurants or commercial food products have been linked to the outbreak. There have been no new reported cases and the DPH does not believe there is a contamination threat to the general public. DPH also said that commercially produced Turshi was not a part of the investigation.
DPH is currently monitoring communicable and infectious disease reports for additional case."
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