Since the beginning of the year, 12 cases of botulism have been reported in Ukraine
Since the beginning of 2026, 12 cases of botulism have been reported among adults in Ukraine. The Ministry of Health of Ukraine reminded citizens of the basic measures for preventing this dangerous disease and urged them to pay close attention to the quality of food products, especially homemade preserves and dried fish.
"In the first four months of 2026, 12 adults contracted botulism. Cases have been reported in the Volyn, Zhytomyr, Zakarpattia, Ternopil, Khmelnytskyi, and Cherkasy regions," the statement said.
Botulism is a severe form of food poisoning (foodborne illness) caused by consuming foods containing botulinum toxin. This toxin affects the nervous system and can lead to paralysis of the respiratory muscles.
As the Ministry of Health noted, the most common causes of botulism are:
- homemade canned meat, fish, and mushrooms;
- dried, smoked, or salted fish;
- sausages and other meat products manufactured or preserved in violation of proper processing methods.
Botulinum toxin cannot be detected by taste, smell, or appearance. Even canned goods that look high-quality can be dangerous.
The first symptoms of botulism may appear 12–24 hours after consuming a contaminated product, but sometimes as early as a few hours or several days later.
Signs of the disease may include:
- blurred vision,
- double vision or a “haze” before the eyes;
- dry mouth;
- difficulty swallowing and speaking;
- muscle weakness, dizziness;
- nausea, vomiting, or bowel problems;
- shortness of breath.
At the slightest suspicion of botulism, seek medical help immediately. The sooner treatment begins and botulinum antitoxin is administered, the higher the chances of recovery.
This was reported by the Ministry of Health.
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