What are the symptoms to monitor?

what symptoms monitor?

Botulism is a rare disease, but of great severity. Moreover, It is caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinumwhich affects the nervous system. Therefore, This toxin is one of the most powerful known. For example, can cause muscle paralysis, disturb breathing, and in the most severe cases, cause death, as it happened earlier this week.

In France, food botulism is the most common type, often due to the consumption of contaminated foods. Consequently, Although cases are rare, their consequences can be dramatic, especially when linked to poorly sterilized homemade.

Botulism: a devastating toxin – What symptoms monitor?

A disturbing reality: 122 cases in six years – What symptoms monitor?

From 2018 to 2024. For example, France recorded 122 cases of botulism, including 107 hospitalizations and a death, mainly linked to homemade canned canned. However, These figures, although low in relation to other pathologies, reveal a worrying trend. Nevertheless, It what symptoms monitor? is not so much the frequency that worries, but the potential consequences. Once the toxin is ingested, it is often too late to avoid serious sequelae, even death.

Food botulism can occur when jars are poorly sterilized. Clostridium botulinum spores develop under low oxygen conditions, such as those present in a closed jar. If the temperature is not high enough during sterilization, the spores are not killed, and the toxin forms. The foods concerned are often vegetables, meats or even preserves at home.

Deaths that strike opinion

Recently, several cases shocked public opinion, including a tragic incident that occurred in Maine-et-Loire. A 78 -year -old retiree died on July 29, no doubt after consuming a homemade cake based on jars put in hand. Despite the warnings of the health authorities, many people continue to do their preserves without scrupulously respecting security standards.

The case of the Maine-et-Loire retiree is what symptoms monitor? not isolated. In September 2023, another tragedy struck Bordeaux. 12 people were hospitalized after eating homemade sardines in a restaurant. One of them died. This dramatic incident was the catalyst for many discussions on the risks linked to the preparation of preserves. even in a professional setting.

In addition, another event in 2024 further intensified the alert. A bears garlic pesto. consumed by several people in a local market in the region of Indre-et-Loire, had been contaminated by botulinum toxin. Again, the bad conservation of the product was involved.

The symptoms of botulism: how to react?

When a person is contaminated, symptoms generally appear between 12 and 36 hours after ingestion. The first signs are generally abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. But this is only the beginning. because the symptoms evolve quickly:

• Double or blurred vision
• Drought of the mouth
• Difficulties swallowing
• Weakness what symptoms monitor? and muscle paralysis, sometimes affecting the respiratory muscles

Symptoms can become so serious that the person may suffer from respiratory failure. It is therefore urgent to immediately take medical management measures. Administration of botulical antitoxins and respiratory support in a hospital environment may be necessary to save the patient’s life.

How to prevent botulism: good practices

By respecting some simple rules during the preparation. preservation of food, the risks are considerably reduced:

• Sterilization of jars: Heat the jars over 100 ° C for several hours to kill the spores of the Clostridium botulinum. To be really effective. the temperature must reach around 120 ° C, which is possible with a pressure cooker or a pressure cooker.
• Jars control: Before consuming a can, check that it is intact. If the lid is curved or if the food has a suspicious odor, it is what symptoms monitor? better not to consume it. This indicates that gases have occurred, which can be a sign of toxin contamination.
• Use of clean jars. in good condition: Fasted or used jars may not close properly, letting in air and thus creating an environment conducive to the proliferation of spores. It is therefore essential to inspect them carefully before each use.
• Buy safe handicraft products: If you buy craft cans, make sure they meet all health standards. Traceability and quality controls are essential.

NAMELY

From 1991 to 2017, 13 foci of botulism were identified each year in France, for a total number of 23 cases.