Since January 1, 2022, 6 cases of botulism with 10 victims have been registered in Armenia, according to the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the RA Ministry of Health.
Taking into account the severe course of the disease, in order to avoid further complications, the RA Ministry of Health urges:
Avoid home-made canned food
Heat home-made canned food by boiling it for 20-25 minutes before using it.
do not buy home-made canned food from the market or random individuals;
See a doctor immediately as soon as the first symptoms appear.
The main symptoms of botulism are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. shortness of breath, obstruction of the act of aspiration, unilateral paralysis. These symptoms appear 2-3 hours to 10 days after eating the affected food.
Botulism is a severe food poisoning caused by Clostridium botulinum. The pathogen is found in the external environment, in the soil by the eggs of spores, from where it spreads to vegetables and greens. Anodic conditions are required for the growth and development of this pathogen, where it reproduces and produces venom. Such conditions are created in hermetically sealed cans. Destruction of the pathogen is possible only in special devices, under the influence of high pressure (1.5-2 atmospheres) և heat (120-130 ° C) in autoclaves, which are available only in canning companies. These conditions cannot be met at home.
Food affected by botulism does not change its taste, smell, color or appearance.