Report of a Child Botulism Incident in Pingtung County, June 2011

Ching-Li Lin, Shu-Hua Huang, Chi-Chuan Huang, Sheng-Tang Wei, Li-Jen Lin

2011 Vol.27 NO.19

Correspondence Author： Ching-Li Lin

Abstract：

On June 22, the Fifth Branch of Centers for Disease Control received a case report of botulism from a Kaohsiung medical center. The case was a four-year-old boy who was sent to a local hospital in Pintung County in the earlier hours of June 22nd for emergency resuscitation and then transferred to this medical center. The attending physician reported a suspected botulism case due to the symptoms shown and applied for the use of botulism antitoxin. After receiving two bottles of antitoxin treatment and careful medical care, the case’s situation quickly improved and was transferred from the ICU to the general ward on July 21st. The serum samples taken from the case were tested positive for Clostridium botulinum toxin type A and negative for both toxin and microbiological tests for food samples, with no certain contamination source. Experience gained from this case is as following: although the case was only four years of age,the amount of serum samples taken and the antitoxins administered were no different from those for an adult. During this investigation, appropriately expressed support for the anxious family members and good interaction are necessary for receiving effective information. In addition, the cooperation between involved facilities and counties is essential in the completion of swift and preventive measures.