Botulism in Poland in 2001

A total of 66 cases of botulism (foodborne) were registered in Poland in 2001, with corresponding incidence 0.17 per 100,000 population. The majority of cases (77.3%) were registered in rural areas. Incidence in these areas was 0.35 and in urban areas--0.06. In 2001 there were 41 outbreaks of one person noted, 4 outbreaks of two people, 4 outbreaks of three, and 1 outbreak of four people. Meat dishes were the main vehicle of botulinum toxin (32 cases; 48.5%). Out of them, home made conserves (bottling jars) prepared from pork meat prevailed (25.8% of the total). Home made sausages were associated with 12.1% cases, commercial canned fish--with 10.6% and other dishes from fish--with 12.1%. Two deaths from foodborne botulism were registered in Poland in 2001.