Paraguay investigates unusual botulism outbreak linked to food products

Paraguay is grappling with an unusual and complex outbreak of botulism, a severe neuroparalytic illness caused by toxins from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This marks a rare event for the country, which has not recorded human cases of this nature in decades. The emergence of these cases, directly linked to the consumption of contaminated food products, has raised significant concern among both the public and health authorities.

The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare has initiated a coordinated response to identify the exact sources of contamination, curb the spread of the pathogen, and ensure food safety. At the Central Hospital of the Institute of Social Security (IPS), two patients remain in intensive care. A 59-year-old woman, admitted on May 7, 2026, is in stable condition, conscious, afebrile, and on mechanical ventilation, showing progressive neurological improvement. A 62-year-old man, admitted on June 2, 2026, is also stable and conscious on mechanical ventilation, though he still exhibits drooping eyelids. Both are receiving antimicrobial treatment.

Two patients have been discharged, but the health system is also monitoring the death of a 30-year-old man who was hospitalized under suspicion of botulism. This case remains under investigation pending laboratory analysis. In response to the identified link between cases and specific food products, the National Directorate of Health Surveillance has suspended operations at five commercial establishments in Asunción suspected of selling the implicated items. The investigation is ongoing to fully understand the scope of the outbreak and prevent future occurrences.