12 cases of botulism, including one death, reported in Armenia in 2017

12 cases of severe food poisoning, botulism, were reported in Armenia in 2017. One of the poisoned individuals died – Armenian Health Ministry reported.

The residents of Armavir, Tavush, Ararat and Vayots Dzor got poisoned with homemade pickled cucumber, paprika and canned tomatoes.

The disease symptoms can be manifested 2-3 hours after taking food or within 12 days. Symptoms observed in botulism-infected individuals include: nausea; vomiting; diarrhea or constipation; dizziness; dry mouth; vision, speech and breathing problems; double vision; dropping of eyelids, pupillary dilation; change of voice pitch; slow heart; cerebral hemorrhage.

The Ministry of Health reports that in order to prevent botulism, it is necessary to observe the rules as follows:

• avoid consumption of homemade canned products;

• freeze, dry or pickle products for preservation;

• subject homemade canned food to thermal treatment, i.e. boil it for 20-25 minutes, before eating
• don’t by homemade canned food at the market, from the people you don’t know

• in case the first symptoms develop, immediately consult a physician.