Suspected botulism cases reported at Ohio prison: Health officials

***Video above: How does the CDC track diseases?***

ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio (WJW) — Ohio health officials are investigating four cases of suspected botulism at Belmont Correctional Institution.

According to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, the affected inmates are being treated for symptoms at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. They were provided anti-toxin medication by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Investigators believe the cases are linked to the consumption of contraband homemade alcohol. Officials said more of it was found in a housing area at the prison before it was confiscated.

Two of the cases were first reported to the ODRC on Aug. 30, while the others were reported in the following days.

Since then, medical staff have conducted medical screenings of more than 2,000 inmates at the facility. Investigators said nobody else has shown symptoms, but medical staff will continue monitoring.

According to the CDC, botulism is “a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves,” causing “difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis and even death.” Read more about it here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.