Slight increase in suspected botulism cases reported in Ohio

COLUMBUS (AP) — The number of suspected cases of botulism tied to a church potluck has increased slightly as Ohio health officials work to test more than 20 samples of food to pinpoint the outbreak’s source.

The Ohio Department of Health said today that 26 people are suspected of having botulism after a potluck dinner Sunday at Cross Pointe Free Will Baptist Church in Lancaster. Tests have confirmed botulism in an additional case.

Kennetha Shaw, 55, of Rushville died from a suspected case of the illness Tuesday.

Health officials are testing 21 homemade and store-bought food samples including canned pickles, potato salad, coleslaw and other items to determine the source.

A botulism antitoxin arrived in Ohio earlier this week from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to treat those who are ill.