LANCASTER, Ohio (AP) - Community members plan to hold a concert to raise money for those sickened in a botulism outbreak at an Ohio church potluck.
Health officials say home-canned potatoes used in a potato salad were the likely source of the outbreak that killed a 55-year-old woman and sickened at least 20 others. The salad was served at an April 19 potluck at Cross Pointe Free Will Baptist Church in Lancaster, which is southeast of Columbus.
Fairfield County Sheriff Dave Phalen and the church’s pastor, Bill Pitts, were scheduled to speak at the Sunday evening concert in Lancaster.
Pitts said last week that seven people remained hospitalized, and others need help while recovering at home.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a nerve toxin produced by certain bacteria.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.