Emergency department presentation of type A botulism.

In October 1983, 28 people became ill with type A botulism in a common-source, food-borne outbreak. Thirteen of these patients presented to an emergency department for initial medical evaluation. The records of these thirteen patients were examined retrospectively in an attempt to characterize the initial presenting symptoms. All patients complained of at least three of four symptoms (generalized weakness, diplopia, dry mouth, and difficulty speaking). Emergency physicians can play a pivotal role in limiting the extent of common-source botulism outbreaks by early recognition of the disease and immediate mobilization of community public health resources.