Botulism in Poland in 2000

A total of 72 cases of botulism were registered in Poland in 2000, with corresponding incidence 0.19 per 100,000 population. In the rural areas 56 (incidence 0.38), and in the urban areas 16 (incidence 0.07) cases were registered. In 2000, there were 46 outbreaks of one person, 7 outbreaks of two people, and 4 of three people noted. Meat dishes were the main vehicle of the botulinum toxin (41 cases; 56.9%). Of them, prevailed homemade conserves (bottling jars) prepared from pork meat (18.1%). Home made sausages were associated with 13.9%, canned fish with 12.5%, sausages of commercial production--with 12.5%, and dishes from poultry with 11.1% cases. Two deaths from botulism were registered in Poland in 2000.