Warning Issued as Deadly Infectious Disease Strikes British Holiday Hotspots

In Spain, health officials have reported an increase in botulism cases transmitted by packaged potato omelettes.

Officials warned that the contaminated tortillas de patatas may have also entered France and Portugal.

Botulism, a rare but life-threatening condition, is caused by the toxins released from Clostridium Botulinum bacteria.

The botulism that is caused by improperly processed foods attacks the nervous systems and can cause paralysis. This condition can be fatal if it is not detected quickly.

In Spain, health officials have reported an increase in botulism cases transmitted by packaged potato omelettes.

Officials warned that the contaminated tortillas de patatas may have also entered France and Portugal.

Botulism, a rare but life-threatening condition, is caused by the toxins released from Clostridium Botulinum bacteria.

The botulism that is caused by improperly processed foods attacks the nervous systems and can cause paralysis. This condition is fatal if it's not detected quickly.

According to the World Health Organization, 5-10% of cases can lead to death.

According to the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition, (AESAN), cases have been reported in several regions including Galicia and Asturias.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has confirmed five cases of botulism, and two more cases are suspected.

Two confirmed cases have been reported in Galicia and Asturias. This has resulted in two people aged 49 and 50 having to be admitted to intensive care.

Food Safety News has reported that there are more probable cases in Valencia, Madrid and Andalusia, involving people aged 27,43 and 49.

Two cases of botulism reported in Italy are linked to Spanish omelettes eaten in Spain.

Food Safety News reported that a woman, 23, and her father, 61 years old, returned home to Valladolid from the city on July 1 after consuming the contaminated product on June 30.

Food-borne botulism symptoms are likely to appear 18 to 36 hrs after eating contaminated food. However, they can also occur anywhere between 6 hours and 10 days later.

Early symptoms can include fatigue, nausea and stomach cramps. Other symptoms may include diarrhoea or constipation.

It can lead to blurred vision and difficulty breathing.

Note that no fever or loss in consciousness should be present.

If the disease is not diagnosed and treated promptly, it can cause paralysis of the muscles.

Grupo Empresarial Palcios Alimentacion said that it has removed the contaminated omelettes from the shelves of stores and stopped production in a factory located in Mudrian.

Spain has reported 21 suspected botulism cases so far in this year.

Officials remind consumers that heatwaves have made it more important to preserve food properly.

The NHS warns against eating food that is bulging, damaged or stored incorrectly.

Source: gbnews.com