Botulinum: Health protocols in place in Calabria and Sardinia

- "Following two major botulinum poisoning clusters that occurred in recent weeks in Sardinia and Calabria, the Ministry of Health's Department of Prevention, Research, and Health Emergencies immediately activated all health protocols," the ministry announced in a statement.

"The intervention system," says Maria Rosaria Campitiello, head of the Department of Prevention, Research, and Health Emergencies, "reacted promptly, ensuring patients had timely access to lifesaving antidote treatments."

The rapid response, Campitiello continues, "was possible thanks to the extensive network of the National Strategic Stockpile of Antidotes and Medicines (SNAF) and the collaborative efforts of all the agencies involved. I would like to remind you that the foods at risk of botulinum toxin are homemade preserves prepared vacuum-packed, in oil or water, and, rarely, industrial products. This is why it is important to follow the rules for the correct and safe preparation and storage of food."

The Italian National Institute of Health, the Ministry reports, maintains a central role both in confirming diagnoses on patients and in analyzing suspect foods. The Poison Control Center in Pavia, the national reference point for the Ministry of Health, centralized all diagnoses in collaboration with emergency physicians, neurologists, and resuscitation specialists. Lifesaving antidotes were promptly distributed thanks to the collaboration of the Military Red Cross Depot in Cagliari; the Italian Navy in Taranto; the Naples Coast Guard; and the San Camillo Forlanini Hospitals.

Italy, the Ministry of Health continues, has a nationwide storage network to ensure rapid response. Prefectures, law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services with air rescue, and the Red Cross collaborate constantly to ensure timely treatment. Case investigations are conducted by the food hygiene services of local health authorities (ASL/ATS), supported by the Ministry of Health's Food Alert System.