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A WOMAN has become the second person to die after eating a toxic veggie and sausage sandwich in Italy.
More than a dozen people have been hospitalised after eating the poisoned sandwiches from a food truck near the town of Diamante in Calabria.
Tamara D’Acunto, 45, died shortly after eating the panini made with turnip greens – a vegetable similar to broccoli.
It comes after Luigi Di Sarno, 52, died on Thursday after taking a fatal bite from a sandwich bought from the same vendor.
His family also fell ill as they were all rushed to Annunziata Hospital in Cosenza, including two 17-year-olds and two women in their 40s.
In total, 17 other people have so far been hospitalised with food poisoning within 24 to 48 hours of eating the sandwiches.
They all showed signs of botulism – an illness linked to the vegetable.
The food truck where the sandwiches were made has also been seized, with an investigation launched into the spread of the toxin.
The Paola Public Prosecutor’s Office immediately ordered the seizure of jars of broccoli in oil, according to local media.
Botulism is a rare condition which can often be life-threatening and is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
It can attack the nervous system, leading to breathing issues, muscle paralysis, and, in about 10 per cent of cases, can be deadly.
The most common way to get botulism is by eating food contaminated with the toxin, usually due to improper processing.
Botulism: Everything you need to know
What Is It?
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
It affects the nervous system, leading to muscle paralysis and breathing difficulties.
How is it contracted?
Illness often results from consuming food tainted with toxins, typically due to improper handling, such as incorrect canning methods.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Double vision
- Difficulty swallowing
How serious is it?
Botulism can be life-threatening. In severe cases, it can cause death, with around 10 per cent of cases being fatal if not treated promptly.
Treatment:
If you think you are suffering from botulism poisoning, medical attention is crucial.
Treatment typically involves antitoxins and supportive care, including breathing assistance if necessary.
Prevention:
Ensure proper food processing and handling. Avoid consuming home-canned foods if you’re unsure about their safety
It comes just days after eight people fell ill and were rushed to the hospital after eating guacamole suspected to be contaminated with botulism.
The affected individuals reportedly consumed the dip in tacos from a Mexican food stand during Fiesta Latina, a festival that took place between July 22 and 25 in Monserrato, located on Sardinia island, Italy.
These two cases have caused local authorities to fly in vials of “antitoxin serum” to treat botulism cases.
The Department of Health and Welfare for the Calabria Region stated: “In accordance with protocol, we’ve initiated emergency procedures that necessitate immediate communication with the Poison Control Centre in Pavia, the sole national center designated for handling botulism cases.”
“No region or hospital in the country is authorised to store the antivenom in their own facilities.
“The serum required is exclusively available through the Ministry of Health, which stores it in secure locations and provides it solely via the Lombardy Poison Control Centre.”
