Russian authorities have detained three individuals following a botulism outbreak that has resulted in 100 hospitalized across four regions. According to AP News, arrests were made by Russia's Investigative Committee. They targeted two top managers from a delivery service and the head of a company that produces canned beans.
Botulism is a rare but severe disease caused by a bacterial toxin called Clostridium botulinum. It has been linked to the consumption of ready-to-eat salads associated with the delivery service and possibly contaminated canned beans.
These arrests come as part of a criminal investigation into alleged violations of safety standards in producing and distributing food products.
How soon do symptoms of botulism appear?
Symptoms of botulism can appear anywhere from a few hours to several days after consuming food contaminated with the botulinum toxin, according to WHO.
Typically, symptoms manifest within 12 to 36 hours after exposure, but this can vary depending on factors such as the amount of toxin ingested and the individual's susceptibility. In some cases, symptoms may take 10 days to develop.
Early symptoms often include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. As the illness progresses, more severe symptoms can occur, such as blurred vision, difficulty swallowing or speaking, muscle weakness, and paralysis.
Russian authorities continue to urge the public to exercise caution regarding food consumption and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms of botulism are experienced.
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