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Outbreak of Botulism After Consumption of Illicit Prison-Brewed Alcohol in a Maximum Security Prison--Arizona, 2012

Seema Yasmin1, Laura Adams2, Graham Briggs3

  • 1Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, AZ, USA seemayasmin@gmail.com.

Journal of Correctional Health Care : the Official Journal of the National Commission on Correctional Health Care
|September 18, 2015
PubMed

Insights

A prison botulism outbreak linked to homemade potato pruno affected eight men. Prompt treatment with antitoxin and ventilation ensured all survivors, highlighting risks of prison-brewed alcohol.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Botulism outbreaks pose significant public health risks, particularly in closed environments like prisons.
  • Contaminated homemade alcoholic beverages, such as pruno, are known vehicles for botulism.
  • This study examines a second botulism outbreak in an Arizona maximum-security prison within a short timeframe.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cause and characteristics of a botulism outbreak in a maximum-security prison.
  • To identify the source of botulism toxin and understand transmission dynamics.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering botulism in differential diagnoses for prisoners presenting with specific neurological symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Case-finding and clinical assessment of eight affected male prisoners.
  • Laboratory analysis of patient sera and suspected pruno for botulinum toxin type A.
  • Epidemiological investigation into shared consumption of homemade alcohol (pruno).

Main Results:

  • Eight adult males (aged 20-35) were diagnosed with botulism.
  • All patients consumed a single batch of potato-based pruno.
  • Botulinum toxin type A was detected in patient sera and the pruno; all patients survived after treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Prison-brewed alcohol, especially when made with potatoes, can be a potent source of botulism outbreaks.
  • Botulism should be a key consideration for prisoners exhibiting cranial nerve palsies and descending paralysis.
  • Early administration of heptavalent botulinum antitoxin and supportive care are critical for patient survival.
Keywords:
botulinumbotulismoutbreakprison

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