Irish rugby fan in ICU following fatal botulism outbreak in Bordeaux

IRISH rugby fans have been urged to consult a doctor following the death of a French woman and the hospitalisation of an Irish fan due to an outbreak of botulism in Bordeaux.

An Irish tourist is in intensive care in a Spanish hospital, with an alleged case of botulism, after attending Ireland's rugby match. 

Over the last few days, 12 cases of botulism have been identified in France, after customers were served artisanal sardines in Tchin Thin Wine Bar in the city centre of Bordeaux.

A 32-year-old woman died after being exposed to the toxin.

The Embassy of Ireland in Paris said: "The Embassy is aware of a botulism outbreak linked to a wine bar in Bordeaux. We advise Irish citizens who ate in Tchin Tchin Wine Bar between September 4th and 10th to immediately consult a doctor if experiencing any symptoms."

Because of the incubation period of the illness and the quantity of sardines served by the restaurant, health professionals in France have alerted the public that they expect a dozen more cases.

Thierry Touzet, Co-Director of the Subdivision management of population protection of Gironde, in France, said that “potentially 25 people” consumed the sardines.

Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves, resulting in difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death.

An antidote to botulism could “allow to reduce the hospitalisation period,” according to the Health Minister.