Italy: Three Deaths from Botulism – Health Alert

A health alert has been issued in Italy following cases of botulism that led to the death of three people and the hospitalization of more than twelve. The incidents are located in Calabria and Sardinia.

In Calabria, two people died in Diamante, while more than 12 are hospitalized in Cosenza. In Sardinia, a 38-year-old woman died after consuming guacamole sauce at a festival in Monserrato.

The Italian Ministry of Health has activated health mechanisms to administer antidotes. The Paola Prosecutor's Office is investigating the poisonings in Calabria, with three arrests for manslaughter and distribution of harmful food.

The victims in Calabria had consumed sandwiches with sausage and broccoli from a street vendor. The operation of a private clinic where victims had gone is also under investigation.

Botulism is a rare paralytic illness caused by a neurotoxin of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which grows in improperly preserved foods.