One person dead after botulism at church potluck

LANCASTER – One person is dead after a botulism outbreak at a local church, Fairfield Medical Center officials said Tuesday.

FMC took in 21 patients suspected of contracting botulism at a potluck lunch Sunday at Cross Pointe Free Will Baptist Church, Dr. Andrew Murry said.

Three are in critical condition, and 10 have been sent to other hospitals for treatment. Murry said more fatalities are possible.

The hospital would not release the name, age or gender of the deceased, pending notification of kin.

"The fatality rate is usually fairly low," Murry said. "But there really isn't a lot of treatment, and nobody has received any of the anti-toxin yet. But it is being sent in as quickly as we can get it (from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)."

Murry said the hospital should have the serum soon, but it can takes weeks to fully recover.

About 50 to 60 people attended the lunch, and Murry said they all should report to the nearest emergency room or other medical center for evaluation even if no symptoms are present. He said about 10 were children.

Botulism is a rare paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin, the hospital said. It is not contagious, so FMC said there is no threat to the community, FMC patients or visitors. Murry said there are only about 145 cases per year nationally.

"The patients were all presented with symptoms that are very typical for botulism and within an 18- to 36-hour window after consuming the contaminated food," Murry said. "Their symptoms included double vision, blurred vision, droopy eyelids and difficulty swallowing."

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Ohio University-Lancaster assistant biology professor Jackie Tudor said botulism can be fatal by paralyzing the respiratory system. Murry said some patients are on respirators.

He said botulism generally comes from canned foods.

"So people who have green beans or potatoes," Murry said. "Things like that. They're low-acid foods that have been canned. You wouldn't really know that it was contaminated until you eat it."

Cross Pointe Pastor Bill Pitts said Sunday's lunch was like any other at the church.

"Everyone is trying to find the common thread," he said. "My heart is crying, and I pray for the people and their families."

Anyone who was at the lunch and has questions should call the FMC emergency hotline at 740-687-8053.

jbarron@lancastereaglegazette.com

740-681-4340

Twitter: @JeffDBarron