ABSTRACT
Many poison control centers partner with public health agencies to handle weekend and after-hours consultations and emergencies. This event describes the effective use of poison control center capabilities in identifying and limiting an outbreak of foodborne botulism. On September 8, 2006, the poison control center received a call regarding a man aged 77 years admitted to a hospital neurology service with dysarthria, dysphagia, and weakness. The poison control center was contacted regarding a concern for botulism. Further information revealed that the patient's wife and a friend had similar symptoms and had eaten together on the previous night. All three sought treatment at different hospitals. The poison control center successfully located the other two patients and provided information regarding the treatment of botulism. In addition, the poison control center notified the on-call local public health official and the CDC for the release of botulinum antitoxin. Public health officials were informed of our concerns for a foodborne outbreak given the common meal. Their investigation determined that the source of botulism was carrot juice.
Subject(s)
Botulinum Antitoxin/therapeutic use , Botulism/diagnosis , Daucus carota/microbiology , Poison Control Centers/organization & administration , Aged , Beverages/microbiology , Botulinum Toxins, Type A/isolation & purification , Botulism/drug therapy , Botulism/etiology , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. , Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , Female , Food Contamination , Humans , Immunologic Factors/therapeutic use , Male , United StatesABSTRACT
Chinese star anise (Illicium verum Hook f.) is a well-known spice used in many cultures. Many populations use it as a treatment for infant colic. Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum L), however, has been documented to have both neurologic and gastrointestinal toxicities. Recently, concern has been raised regarding the adulteration of Chinese star anise with Japanese star anise. We report 7 cases of adverse neurologic reactions in infants seen with the home administration of star anise tea. In addition, we have found evidence that Chinese star anise has been contaminated with Japanese star anise. More strict federal regulation of the import of star anise into the United States is warranted. Star anise tea should no longer be administered to infants because of its potential danger in this population.
