Saving the lives of two patients with Botulinum poisoning from sour fish sauce

On February 21, Kon Tum General Hospital announced that the unit had successfully rescued two patients with Botulinum type E poisoning from critical condition.

Doctors are still treating and rehabilitating the patients.

Specifically, the first poisoning case was Y Chuih (born in 1978, residing in Tan Lap commune, Kon Ray district, Kon Tum province), hospitalized on February 2 in a coma.

On February 4, Kon Tum Provincial General Hospital continued to receive patient A Ro (born in 1982, residing in Dak Rve town, Kon Ray district) with symptoms of abdominal pain, drooping eyelids, and difficulty speaking.

After testing, doctors at Kon Tum General Hospital determined that both patients had Botulinum poisoning due to eating unsanitary food.

Both patients were admitted to the Intensive Care - Anti-Poison Department for emergency treatment and treatment.

Up to now, after nearly 20 days of treatment, the health of the two patients has gradually recovered and they can move their arms and legs.

According to Dr. Vo Khac Tuan, Head of the Intensive Care and Anti-Poison Department, Kon Tum Provincial General Hospital, after being admitted to the hospital, the patient's family said that he had consumed sour fish sauce.

This is a traditional dish in some ethnic minority areas of Kon Tum province, prepared by catching stream fish, fermenting with rice flour or salt, and is often eaten with rice. In anaerobic conditions, many types of bacteria have developed, including Clostridium botulinum, which causes poisoning.

“From 2020 to now, we have received and treated 25 cases of Botulinum poisoning; of which, 2 cases died. Botulinum is very toxic, so treatment is very difficult, it takes a very long time for patients to recover.

In addition, the Botulism Antitoxin Heptavalent (BAT) treatment is very rare and expensive, up to 8,000 USD for a vial. Fortunately, the patients with Botulinum poisoning in Kon Tum are mainly type E, which is not as virulent as types A and B.

We recommend that people should not eat sour fish sauce, canned products that show signs of spoilage, and foods that do not ensure hygiene and safety," added Dr. Vo Khac Tuan.