Rare Case of Botulism Diagnosed in Minot

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — A rare case of botulism has been diagnosed in a patient at Trinity Hospital in Minot.

Hospital officials tell KXMC-TV they quickly contacted a California company that makes an antitoxin, and the medication was sent in less than a day. Officials say that helped prevent a fatality.

Hospital officials didn't give details of the patient. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says many people with botulism get it from contaminated food. Symptoms include double vision, slurred speech and muscle weakness.

The federal CDC says there are an average of only 145 cases of botulism in the U.S. each year. The agency says all forms of botulism can be fatal and are considered medical emergencies.

Trinity Hospital says the antitoxin to treat botulism costs about $50,000.