Four Suspected Cases of Botulism at Belmont Correctional

Belmont County- Four suspected cases of Botulism from Belmont Correctional Institution are currently being treated at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction said it’s believed cases are linked to contraband homemade alcohol consumed by symptomatic individuals.

All four individuals have received anti-toxin medication from the Centers for Disease Control.

A targeted search of the housing areas associated with the suspected cases was conducted on Friday, August 30 and additional contraband homemade alcohol was confiscated.

A second, full search of the facility was conducted Thursday.

Botulism is not known to be contagious and those who consumed the contaminated homemade alcohol are the only at-risk individuals. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing and blurry vision.