Botulism confirmed in two Grant County deaths

EPHRATA – Health officials have confirmed that botulism toxin was the cause of death of two elderly Grant County residents in early February.

Confirmation came from the state Public Health Laboratory, according to a press release from the Grant County Health District. Lab officials tested blood from the deceased persons, officials said. Officials said two weeks ago that they suspected the deaths were from botulism.

“This information was sufficient to confirm the disease in both cases because they are from the same household with similar classic botulism symptoms,” the press release said. “The specific food source has not been confirmed but home-canned or prepared food continues to be suspected as the most likely source.”

Health district officials worked with the family to find and destroy any unopened home-canned food found in the residence, officials said. It is not believed that any of the home-canned food was shared with other households. No other cases of botulism have been reported.

“This tragic event is a reminder to all of us about proper food preparation and canning,” said Todd Phillips, environmental health manager at the Health District.

Botulism is rare in Washington State and in Grant County and can occur in any age group. The last case in Grant County was in 2002 and was linked to home-canned green beans. The patient survived. The chance of surviving botulism poisoning depends on the individual’s health condition, timely medical care and administration of proper antitoxin. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over the past 50 years mortality from botulism has decreased from 50 percent to 3 to 5 percent. As in most cases of food-related poisoning, cases of botulism are largely preventable by proper food preparation and canning. Residents are reminded to review the most current information about home-canning methods prior to each canning event.

Home-canned foods could be contaminated but look, smell and taste normal, Health District officials said. If there is any doubt about whether safe canning guidelines have been followed, do not eat the food. Home-canned food might be contaminated if:

- The container is leaking, bulging, or swollen

- The container looks damaged, cracked, or abnormal

- The container spurts liquid or foam when opened

- The food is discolored, moldy, or smells bad