12 Cases of Botulism Recorded in Ukraine Over Four Months – What You Need to Know About the Disease
In the first four months of 2026, 12 adults in Ukraine contracted botulism. This was reported by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
Cases were registered in Volyn, Zhytomyr, Zakarpattia, Ternopil, Khmelnytskyi, and Cherkasy regions.
What is botulism
Botulism is a severe food poisoning caused by consuming products containing botulinum toxin. The toxin affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis of the respiratory muscles.
Most common sources of infection
The main products that most often cause botulism include:
- homemade meat, fish, and mushroom preserves;
- dried, smoked, or salted fish;
- sausages and other meat products made or stored with technological violations.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that botulinum toxin cannot be detected by taste, smell, or appearance – even products that look safe can be dangerous.
How to reduce the risk of poisoning
Experts advise:
- not to consume homemade preserves unless you are sure the preparation technology was followed;
- avoid fish of unknown origin;
- do not buy products from informal markets;
- do not consume food if there are doubts about storage or transportation conditions.
Symptoms of botulism
The first signs of the disease may appear 12–24 hours after consuming contaminated food, sometimes earlier or after several days.
Symptoms include:
- vision deterioration, double vision, or "fog" before the eyes;
- dry mouth;
- difficulty swallowing and speaking;
- muscle weakness and dizziness;
- nausea, vomiting, digestive disorders;
- feeling of shortness of breath.
What to do if suspected
If symptoms appear, seek medical help immediately.
Medical professionals emphasize: the earlier treatment begins and botulinum antitoxin is administered, the higher the chances of recovery.
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