New Mexico sees 3rd suspected case of botulism in 2019

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico health officials are investigating the third suspected case of botulism this year.

The department said Friday that a patient hospitalized in Albuquerque is believed to have wound botulism, a rare illness that can lead to muscle paralysis and death of left untreated.

Botulism was confirmed in people hospitalized in May and October. The health department says all three cases are linked to the use of injection drugs.

Botulism is caused by a nerve toxin produced by a bacterium. It can grow from infected wounds associated with drug use.

The health department is advising doctors to be on the lookout of botulism symptoms in patients who have reported injecting drugs. Symptoms include double vision, blurred vision, dropping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, muscle weakness and difficulty swallowing.