In a concerning development, the Fresno County Department of Public Health has identified an outbreak of botulism linked to the consumption of cactus pads, or nopales, resulting in two women being hospitalized in intensive care. The office was alerted to the situation on Monday, June 24th, and subsequent investigations revealed that all affected individuals had attended the same family gathering where they consumed the homemade nopales.

The investigation was aided by the diligent efforts of the Environmental Health team, who went through the trash and retrieved specimens. The concern initially arose due to the possibility that the nopales were frozen, but further analysis revealed that they had been home-canned by a woman in May. This woman had used two out of four jars of cactus salad she had prepared at her Clovis home.

Experts have highlighted the need for caution when it comes to home canning. Dr. Rais Vohra, the Interim Health Officer, emphasized the real risk associated with the consumption of home-canned nopales and warned that botulism can occur in such cases. Botulism is a paralytic disease that affects the nerves, and in severe instances, it can lead to respiratory failure. Unfortunately, the two women currently in intensive care, who happen to be sisters, are relying on respiratory support.

While some individuals who were previously hospitalized have been released after receiving antitoxins, the fate of these two women remains uncertain. It is unclear how well the jars were sterilized, as the woman responsible for preparing the salad mentioned that she did not follow specific safety guidelines and learned the home-canning process from friends and family. The remaining jars were discovered in poor condition in a shed.

This unfortunate incident serves as a valuable learning opportunity for the community, according to Dr. Vohra. He emphasized the importance of adhering to safety guidelines when it comes to home canning. The health department will continue to investigate the situation and provide guidance to prevent future outbreaks.

As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative that the community remains vigilant and takes necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their home-canned food.