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Botulism from drinking pruno

Duc J Vugia1, Sundari R Mase, Barbara Cole

  • 1Infectious Diseases Branch, California Department of Public Health, 850 Marina Bay Pkwy, Bldg P, 2nd Floor, Richmond, CA 94804, USA. duc.vugia@cdph.ca.gov

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Foodborne botulism outbreaks occurred in California prisons due to illicitly brewed alcohol, known as pruno. These incidents led to hospitalizations and the need for intubation among inmates.

Area of Science:

  • Foodborne illness
  • Public health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Foodborne botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum.
  • Illicit alcohol production, often referred to as 'pruno,' is a known risk in correctional facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report on foodborne botulism outbreaks in California prisons.
  • To identify the source and vehicle of botulism in these outbreaks.

Main Methods:

  • Case investigation and outbreak analysis.
  • Identification of the consumed product as the likely source.

Main Results:

  • Two distinct outbreaks of foodborne botulism occurred in California prisons in 2004 and 2005.
  • A total of 5 inmates were affected, with 3 requiring intubation.
  • The implicated vehicle was identified as 'pruno,' an illicitly manufactured alcoholic beverage.

Conclusions:

  • Pruno poses a significant food safety risk within correctional facilities.
  • Preventive measures and education are crucial to mitigate botulism risks from illicit alcohol in prisons.

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