Homemade alcohol may be to blame for sick Ohio prisoners: ODRC

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — An investigation is underway after four people at an Ohio prison have suspected botulism.

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction reports four individuals from the Belmont Correctional Institution in eastern Ohio are being treated at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center in Columbus for suspected botulism, a rare and life-threatening condition.

On Aug. 30, the Ohio Department of Health contacted ODRC to inform them of two suspected cases. Two more were reported within the following days, according to ODRC.

It is reported the impacted individuals reportedly used “contraband homemade alcohol,” which is what ODRC believes the illnesses stem from. During at least one search, the contraband was confiscated from the facility.

The Mayo Clinic claims botulism is not contagious, but can impact a person’s breathing and speaking. Anti-toxin medication was prescribed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the four people, according to ODRC.

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