Irish tourists in Bordeaux among those infected after botulism outbreak

A number of Irish citizens are among those being treated for botulism following an outbreak of the disease in Bordeaux.

Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves.

A number of people were diagnosed with the rare disease after eating sardines at the Tchin Tchin Wine Bar in Bordeaux.

On Wednesday the HSE confirmed that this had affected a small number of Irish citizens and that they were now receiving appropriate care in France.

As a result, the HSE is advising anyone who ate sardines at the Tchin Tchin Wine Bar (3 Rue Emile Duploye, 33000 Bordeaux) between Monday 4 September and Sunday 10 September and who feel unwell to seek urgent medical care.

Botulism produces a neurological condition affecting the nerves of the body. Symptoms often begin with blurred vision and difficulty in swallowing and speaking, but sometimes diarrhoea and vomiting can occur.

The disease can lead to problems with vision, and paralysis, and can also be fatal in 5-10% of cases.

It is usually a matter of 12-36 hours between exposure to the toxin and the development of symptoms.

Dr Greg Martin, director of the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), said “botulism can be a serious and potentially fatal condition” but added that the HSE advice only extends to the circumstances specified.

“It is important to emphasise that this advice only applies to those who ate sardines at the premises during the time specified. There are no other circumstances in which a person can be affected by this incident,” he said.