[Botulism in Ammassalik]

Botulism is a rare and serious form of food poisoning and was diagnosed for the first time in the East Coast of Greenland. Historical reports suggest that outbreaks of this condition have occurred previously in this region. In 1990, however, the presence of Clostridium botulinum type E could be confirmed with certainty. Eight individuals partook of a meal which consisted of raw seal meat and raw seal intestines. Four of these developed symptoms of botulism and two of these required assisted ventilation. On the basis of this experience, the medical officers of health in Greenland recommend that all hospitals in Greenland should maintain a supply of antitoxin.