INTRODUCTION:
Botulism is a rare, severe neuroparalytic disease with high lethality, caused by the toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Infection occurs mainly through the ingestion of contaminated food or through wounds, and may progress to respiratory failure and death. 1 Initial symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, followed by neurological manifestations such as headache and vertigo, progressing to cranial nerve impairment, descending flaccid paralysis, and autonomic dysfunction. 2 Treatment is based on the administration of antitoxin. This study aims to describe a botulism outbreak that occurred in the state of Bahia in 2024.

METHODS:
This is an experience report of botulism cases that occurred in the state of Bahia in August 2024. The Bahia State Epidemiological Surveillance Directorate (DIVEP) received notification of one suspected case in the northeastern region of the state and four cases in the northern region. Epidemiological investigation included field visits conducted in collaboration with the Northern Regional Center and the Municipal Health Departments of Senhor do Bonfim and Campo Formoso.

RESULTS:
Six cases of botulism were confirmed, five male and one female, aged between 17 and 39 years. Four cases resided in Campo Formoso, one in Senhor do Bonfim (rural area), and one in Cícero Dantas (urban area). The main symptoms included diplopia, blurred vision, vertigo, dysphagia, dysarthria, ptosis, cervical and generalized weakness, as well as systemic signs. In five cases, symptoms began 24 hours after ingestion of chicken mortadella from the same brand. Two cases were laboratory-confirmed and four were confirmed by epidemiological linkage. Botulinum antitoxin was administered in two cases. Five progressed to severe disease, three were discharged, and two resulted in death.

CONCLUSIONS:
The occurrence of neuroparalytic syndromes requires immediate suspicion of botulism.3 Early recognition and timely notification are essential for the adoption of control measures.