Possible Cases of Botulism in Hawaii
Johnathan Stockton, A Maui man hospitalized after eating a can of Cattle Drive chili, was released from the hospital Saturday morning, according to KITV Honolulu. According to the story, he is still “feeling some of the symptoms of botulism—including facial paralysis. Another man in Hawaii, Keith Regan of Wailuku, has also reported symptoms of botulism after eating the product, which was purchased at a Costco store in Kahului.
Cattle Drive chili is one of the products recalled by Castleberry’s Food Co. due to possible contamination with botulism. Two people in Indiana, two people in Texas, and a woman in California have been diagnosed with botulism. Pritzker | Ruohonen has been contacted by people from several states with symptoms of botulism.
The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) is investigating Jonathan Stockton’s and Keith Regan's illnesses as possible cases of botulism. The department is still awaiting test results.
“The DOH has consulted with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and although the case has not been confirmed as botulism poisoning, we are taking every precaution,” said Health Director Dr. Chiyome Fukino. “The DOH has put out notices statewide about the recalled product and the risk of botulism poisoning. Everyone can help by spreading the word and calling the Department if they see the product for sale.”
Exposure to botulinum toxin (Clostridium botulinum) can be fatal. Symptoms of botulism poisoning in humans can begin from 6 hours to 10 days after eating food that contains the toxin. Symptoms may include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness that moves progressively down the body, affecting the shoulders first then descending to the upper arms, lower arms, thighs, calves, etc. Botulism poisoning can also cause paralysis of the breathing muscles. Individuals who show these symptoms and who may have recently eaten one of the Castleberry’s products currently under recall should seek immediate medical attention.