Public Health Investigating Multiple Cases of Botulism

 

Department of Health and Human Services
Sherri Z. Heller
Director

5/8/2017 10:00 PM

Media Contact:

Samantha Mott    motts@saccounty.net    (916) 875-0973

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

                                                                                                                                                                               Contact: Samantha Mott
                                                                                                                                                                               MottS@Saccounty.net 
                                                                                                                                                                               Phone: 916-875-0973 / Cell: 916-642-5508

 

 

Public Health Investigating Multiple Cases of Botulism

                                                                                            

In collaboration with California Department of Public Health, Sacramento County Public Health is investigating several cases of Botulism
linked to food purchased at Valley Oak Food and Fuel gas station in Walnut Grove. Sacramento County Public Health is working closely with
the Sacramento County Department of Environmental Management to stop the sale of prepared food items at this location.

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.

Public Health is asking people who consumed prepared food from Valley Oak Food and Fuel from April 23, 2017 through today and
have experienced any of the above symptoms, to please contact their healthcare provider.

**For media: Public Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye will be available for interviews today between 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Please call 916-642-5508 to schedule an interview.