********************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 22) received notification of a case of suspected botulism from United Christian Hospital (UCH) involving a 62-year-old man.
The patient, who lives alone in Lam Tin, attended the Accident and Emergency Department of UCH on June 21 with slurred speech and limbs weakness. His condition deteriorated after hospitalization.
The patient was treated in hospital as a case of suspected botulism. He is now in critical condition. Investigation by CHP with UCH is still on-going.
A CHP spokesman said that human botulism is a serious disease caused by neurotoxin produced by the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, which can be found in soil, the environment and also contaminated food.
Foodborne botulism is a severe intoxication resulting from ingestion of preformed toxin present in contaminated food. Such toxin can be produced in improperly processed, preserved or canned food.
Early symptoms include marked fatigue, weakness and vertigo, usually followed by blurred vision, difficulty in swallowing and speaking. Vomiting and diarrhoea may occur.
The spokesman said that, however, botulism is not communicable from person to person.
Members of the public are advised to take note of the following:
* Remember to boil home-canned food for at least 10 minutes before eating because botulism toxin can be destroyed by high temperatures,.
* Avoid consumption of food from containers (e.g. canned food) that appear to be damaged, bulged or spoilt.
Ends/Friday, June 22, 2007
Issued at HKT 23:36
NNNN
