An Irish rugby fan has been hospitalised and put into intensive care with suspected Botulism after attending Ireland v Romania in Bordeaux on Saturday.
The Irish supporter had attended a bar following the game which is now at the centre of the apparent outbreak, with many others believed to have fallen sick as well.
The outbreak in a popular wine bar in Bordeaux has led to one death and at least eight people so far have been hospitalised.
Irish Rugby fan hospitalised with suspected Botulism
According to the Irish Times, the man is in hospital in Spain. His family have appealed to Irish fans travelling home from the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France or if they are still attending games, especially in Bordeaux to be aware of the symptoms of botulism, as catching the illness is crucial for treatment and recovery.
The Irish man had attended a popular bar in Bordeaux that is now at the centre of the outbreak, the popular bar was believed to be full of Irish fans last weekend for Ireland's opening game against Romania on Saturday.
Multiple Irish fans are believed to be at risk of falling ill to botulism.
According to Public Health France, the outbreak is suspected to have originated from tinned sardines which were consumed at Tchin Tchin wine bar between September 4th to September 10th.
Ireland's match with Romania took place on the 9th of September.
Diagnosing botulism fast is vital for effective treatment.
There was an outbreak in Bordeaux when many Irish fans were there for the rugby
It can be life threatening. If someone you know was there and has become very ill, these are the symptoms to look for https://t.co/MyItU7X5TM— Naomi O'Leary (@NaomiOhReally) September 13, 2023
In a statement, local health authority ARS Nouvelle-Aquitaine, said that most of the people receiving treatment in Bordeaux are from America, Canada and Germany.
Officers from the local Department of Public Protection (DDPP) have investigated the bar and took samples to test for toxins. The results are expected within three days.
What is botulism?
Botulism is a serious and life-threatening illness that can cause paralysis and death says the HSE. It is caused by a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. The bacteria develops in poorly preserved food.
It can take hours or days for symptoms to present to a person.
Botulism is fatal in five to ten per cent of cases, according to numbers shared by Public Health France.
What are the symptoms of botulism?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these are the following symptoms people should look at for.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Muscle weakness.
- Double vision.
- Drooping eyelids.
- Blurry vision.
- Slurred speech.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Difficulty moving the eyes.
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