Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction confirms botulism cases in local jail

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) — The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) has announced that there are four suspected cases of botulism from Belmont Correctional Institution who are currently being treated at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center (OSUMC).

We most often think of botulism as coming from improperly canned foods. And like food poisoning, it causes some digestive upset.

But it can also be present in soil, dust and sediment. And OSU Extension officials say it can be serious and even life-threatening.

But then there’s also things like a dry mouth, trouble speaking, trouble breathing, facial weakness on both sides of your face, blurred or double vision, and then potentially that paralysis. You know if you notice any of the symptoms. you definitely want to go to the doctor.”

Lorrissa Dunfee, Family & Consumer Sciences Educator

Based on available information, it is believed that these suspected cases are linked to contraband homemade alcohol (commonly referred to as ‘hooch’) consumed by the symptomatic individuals.

ODRC was notified by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) on August 30 of two suspected cases. The third and fourth cases developed within the following days.

Dunfee says time is essential. Symptoms could show up a few hours to 36 hours after exposure to the bacteria. She says it can also infiltrate an open wound.

All four individuals have received anti-toxin medication from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.)

ODRC medical staff conducted education screenings with over 2,000 incarcerated individuals at Belmont Correctional Institution to determine if any other individuals consumed contraband alcohol within the last two weeks.

The more than 2,000 individuals were medically evaluated and have not had symptoms.  They will continue to be monitored per the recommendation of public health officials.

A targeted search of the housing areas associated with the suspected cases was conducted on Friday, August 30, and additional contraband homemade alcohol was confiscated. A second, full search of the facility was conducted today.

Botulism is not known to be contagious, and those who consumed the contaminated homemade alcohol are the only at-risk individuals.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and blurry vision.

ODRC continues to work with the CDC, ODH, OSUMC, and local public health officials on this matter.

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