In coordination with the California Department of Public Health, Sacramento County Public Health is investigating a botulism outbreak associated with the Valley Oak Food and Fuel gas station in Walnut Grove.
Officials are reportedly investigating five cases of the potentially deadly illness, according to a report from The Sacramento Bee. Four of the five infected individuals confirmed eating food prepared at the Walnut Grove gas station. The affected individuals are being treated at local hospitals and are in serious condition, according to the report.
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Botulism is caused by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which produces a nerve toxin that causes the rare paralytic illness. Possible symptoms include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, muscle weakness, stomach cramping and vomiting.
To learn more about botulism, click here.
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