In a follow-up on the botulism outbreak in Sacramento County, California state and local health officials report the source of their illnesses appears to be prepared food, particularly nacho cheese sauce, from the Valley Oak Food and Fuel gas station in Walnut Grove, based on the investigation and preliminary data.

Image/ marlenemgm via pixabay
Image/ marlenemgm via pixabay

The sale of prepared food at this location was halted on May 5, by Sacramento County Department of Environmental Management.

To date, five patients were hospitalized for foodborne botulism and an additional patient with suspected foodborne botulism is currently under investigation.

Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Symptoms can include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness.

Health officials advise persons who consumed prepared food, particularly nacho cheese sauce, from Valley Oak Food and Fuel gas station from April 23, 2017 through May 5, 2017 and have symptoms should contact their medical provider immediately.

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