Botulism: Patient dies under suspicion, four others remain in treatment

Paraguay's social security institute, IPS, confirmed the death of a 30-year-old man suspected of suffering from botulism, marking a significant health alert in a country that has not reported cases of the disease in approximately three decades. The patient was admitted to the Central Hospital's Adult Resuscitation Unit on May 24.

While the official cause of death is pending laboratory results to confirm a link to botulinum toxin, the IPS report also detailed the condition of four other individuals who have confirmed botulism diagnoses. The bacteria Clostridium botulinum produces one of the most potent known toxins, which attacks the neuromuscular system, causing symptoms like double vision, descending paralysis, and respiratory distress requiring mechanical ventilation.

In response to the outbreak, Paraguay's National Directorate of Health Surveillance (Dinavisa) has implemented precautionary suspensions of five commercial establishments in Asunción. These businesses, Azucena, Conejo de Piel de Cordero, El Chimi de Juancho, Locos por el Sándwich, and Pickles El Gringo, are linked to the sale of suspected food products. Dinavisa clarified these are preventive measures to avoid further risks during the ongoing investigation, not final sanctions.

Health authorities are working to pinpoint the exact source of the outbreak, investigating whether contaminated sauces, shredded meats, or other prepared foods are responsible. The Ministry of Health advises the public to avoid consuming food from containers that are bulging, improperly sealed, or appear abnormal, particularly artisanal products like canned goods, preserves, oils, and honey, which are common environments for the bacteria. Symptoms typically appear 12 to 36 hours after consuming contaminated food.

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The official cause of his death has not yet been determined, awaiting definitive laboratory results that confirm the relationship with botulinum toxin, which depends on the Central Laboratory of the Ministry of Public Health (MSPBS).