A warning from public health agencies in Los Angeles and Orange counties against consuming deer-antler tea due to the risk of contracting botulism was in effect Saturday.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed one case of botulism and identified a suspected case, both among adults living in Orange County.
The department’s preliminary investigation suggests these cases may be associated with the consumption of a deer-antler tea product acquired in March, a department official said.
The department recommends anyone who purchased or may have been given a product similar to the tea, which comes in a sealed pouch, in March should immediately dispose of it.
“Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium,” the department said in a statement
“Classic symptoms of botulism include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing and weakness. These are all symptoms of muscle paralysis caused by the bacterial toxin.”
The department warns that if left untreated, these symptoms may progress to cause paralysis of the respiratory muscles, arms, legs, and trunk.
“In foodborne botulism, symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating a contaminated food, but they can occur as early as six hours or as late as 10 days,” the department said.
“The respiratory failure and paralysis that occur with severe botulism may require a patient to be on a breathing machine (ventilator) for weeks or months, plus intensive medical and nursing care. The paralysis slowly improves.”
Health officials recommend that individuals experiencing any of these symptoms after consuming this product seek immediate medical care.
—City News Service