Deer Antler Tea Tied to Los Angeles Botulism Cases

 Posted on May 06, 2017 in Botulism

Two residents of Orange County have become ill with botulism, a potentially deadly illness linked to the consumption of canned and fermented goods. One of the residents was confirmed to be suffering from botulism by the Orange County Health Care Agency. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health suspects the two cases are linked to the consumption of deer antler tea obtained in March of 2017 and urge all individuals who have this tea in their possession to dispose of it.

Botulism and other types of food poisoning can have long-lasting repercussions for victims. Individuals who suffer from these repercussions may seek compensation for their damages from the parties responsible for their illnesses.

Botulism Symptoms

Botulism poisoning can have the following symptoms:

• Facial weakness;
• Dizziness;
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing;
• Blurred or double vision;
• Shortness of breath;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting; and
• Fatigue.

Symptoms typically appear within 18 to 36 hours after consuming the contaminated food. Individuals who experience these symptoms are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Without prompt medical care, botulism can spread to the respiratory system, arms, and legs. If an individual suffers paralysis in one or more of these areas, he or she may require assistive breathing devices or other medical aid. Respiratory paralysis can be deadly.

Why Do People Drink Deer Antler Tea?

Although it is not common in the western world, deer antler tea is a popular type of Chinese medicine. Tea made from velvet, antlers at an early stage before they begin to calcify, is believed to have many health benefits, including:

• Arthritis relief;
• Osteoporosis prevention;
• Raising the drinker's hemoglobin count;
• Improved stamina; and
• Nourishment of the spleen, kidneys, and liver;

Treating Botulism

Individuals at early stages of botulism poisoning may be given antitoxins to prevent nerve damage. In some cases, patients are treated with antibiotics, as well. A physician may attempt to remove contaminated food still in the victim's body by inducing vomiting or using an enema.

At later stages, the patient may need to use an assistive breathing machine while he or she recovers from respiratory paralysis. This can take weeks or months and must be done under close medical supervision. When a victim suffers from botulism in a wound, the wound may be treated surgically and antibiotics may be applied to combat the harmful bacteria present.

Work with an Experienced Rolling Meadows Food Poisoning Attorney

Botulism and other types of food poisoning can leave a victim suffering from severe complications and significant financial expenses. If you or your child have suffered from food poisoning effects because of another party's negligence, consider working with an experienced food poisoning lawyer to pursue compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim. Contact our team at Newland & Newland, LLP today to schedule your initial consultation in our office. We serve clients in the Arlington Heights, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Libertyville, Mundelein, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, and Itasca areas.

(image courtesy of Pedro Lastra)