YAZOO CITY, Miss.- An outbreak of botulism took place at the Yazoo Federal Prison.
The Mississippi State Health Department reported that there are 17 suspected cases of botulism among the inmates. They believe the prisoners became sick after drinking a homemade alcoholic beverage or “hooch” that was being made within the walls of the prison.
16 of those cases became sick within the prison and one inmate was transferred to Oklahoma for treatment. 15 were hospitalized athospitals in the Jackson-Metro area, and two have already been treated and released.
Botulism is an extremely rare and potentially fatal illness that is caused by a toxin in bacteria. The disease begins with feeling weak, tired, or having trouble seeing. However, it does not effect a person’s consciousness.
All inmates were treated with an anti-toxin that could take up to a week to recover from. It is not spread from person to person, but the prison has suspended visitation for family members until further notice.