4 Arizona inmates being treated for botulism
Aug 3, 2012, 8:43 PM | Updated: 8:54 pm
FLORENCE, Arizona — Four inmates from the Arizona State Prison Complex Eyman
in Florence are hospitalized with suspected botulism poisoning.
Pinal County authorities say the source is believed to be contraband
prisoner-made alcohol.
They say the process to confirm botulism takes time, but proactive treatment
can begin after consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
Once the CDC receives preliminary confirmation that botulism poisoning may have
sickened individuals, the CDC authorizes the release of anti-toxin to the state.
The CDC has released the anti-toxin to the Arizona Department of Health
Services, which is delivering it to the medical providers who are treating the
affected inmates whose names haven’t been released.
Authorities say three of the four inmates are reported to be in stable
condition with the condition of the fourth undisclosed.
