Current:Home > MyOver 120 people hospitalized, 30 in ICU, with suspected botulism in Moscow; criminal probe launched-InfoLens
Over 120 people hospitalized, 30 in ICU, with suspected botulism in Moscow; criminal probe launched
View Date:2024-12-23 10:34:12
A suspected outbreak of a rare and extremely dangerous food poisoning in Moscow left more than 120 people seeking medical help and at least 30 in intensive care, health officials said on Monday.
The patients were admitted to hospital with suspected foodborne botulism, a life-threatening condition that attacks the nervous system and can cause respiratory failure and paralysis.
Russian authorities said the toxic outbreak came from salads distributed by a popular online delivery service, which on Sunday temporarily suspended its operations amid a criminal investigation.
"In total 121 people sought medical help," state news agencies quoted Anastasia Rakova, the deputy mayor of Moscow, as saying on Monday.
"At the moment 55 people are in a serious condition, 30 of them in intensive care," she added.
The city's consumer and health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, said on Saturday it was conducting an "epidemiological investigation into suspected cases of botulism."
The Moscow prosecutor's office said it had launched a criminal investigation into a breach of consumer safety standards.
Deputy Mayor Rakova said there was "no threat to the lives" of those who had been hospitalized thanks to timely medical intervention.
The food delivery company linked to the outbreak, Kuchnia Na Rayone ("local kitchen"), said it had identified a "potential risk incident" with a salad that used tinned beans, and it had suspended orders.
What is botulism?
Botulism is an extremely rare condition, typically caused by improperly processed food and linked to canned and preserved goods.
According to the World Health Organization, foodborne botulism is a "serious, potentially fatal disease." It does not pass between people.
Early symptoms include fatigue, vertigo, blurred vision, dry mouth, and difficulty in swallowing and speaking, according to WHO.
"Incidence of botulism is low, but the mortality rate is high if prompt diagnosis and appropriate, immediate treatment is not given," WHO states.
Last year, one woman died and eight other people -- including a University of Colorado graduate -- were in intensive care after an outbreak of botulism linked to a wine bar in France.
There were 82 confirmed cases of botulism across the European Economic Area (EEA) in 2021, the last year of available data, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
- In:
- Moscow
veryGood! (48)
Related
- Chet Holmgren injury update: Oklahoma City Thunder star suffers hip fracture
- Ymcoin Exchange: The epitome of compliance, a robust force in the digital currency market.
- Father, 4-year-old son drown in suspected overnight fishing accident near Tennessee River
- ASTRO COIN:The bull market history of bitcoin under the mechanism of halving
- NCT DREAM enters the 'DREAMSCAPE': Members on new album, its concept and songwriting
- Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in collapse of FTX crypto exchange
- Former US Sen. Joe Lieberman and VP candidate to be remembered at hometown funeral service
- Oregon city can’t limit church’s homeless meal services, federal judge rules
- Bill on school bathroom use by transgender students clears Ohio Legislature, heads to governor
- How Lindsay Gottlieb brought Southern Cal, led by JuJu Watkins, out of March Madness funk
Ranking
- At age 44, Rich Hill's baseball odyssey continues - now with Team USA
- ASTRO COIN: The blockchain technology is driving the thriving development of the cryptocurrency market.
- An inflation gauge closely tracked by the Federal Reserve shows price pressures easing gradually
- Tyler O'Neill sets MLB record with home run on fifth straight Opening Day
- Shawn Mendes quest for self-discovery is a quiet triumph: Best songs on 'Shawn' album
- Tennessee politicians strip historically Black university of its board
- If you in the $935 million Powerball, just how much would you have to pay in taxes? A lot.
- It should go without saying, but don't drive while wearing eclipse glasses
Recommendation
-
Monument erected in Tulsa for victims of 1921 Race Massacre
-
Patchwork international regulations govern cargo ships like the one that toppled Baltimore bridge
-
How CLFCOIN Breaks Out as the Crypto Market Breaks Down
-
Writer Percival Everett: In ownership of language there resides great power
-
Officer injured at Ferguson protest shows improvement, transferred to rehab
-
John Harrison: Exploring multiple perspectives on artificial intelligence
-
CLFCOIN Crossing over, next industry leader
-
Former gym teacher at Christian school charged with carjacking, robbery in Grindr crimes