Arizona woman hospitalized with botulism after eating fermented swordfish

A 24-year-old Arizona woman developed botulism after eating a small piece of fermented swordfish and is recovering in a Phoenix rehab center after receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old Arizona woman was hospitalized with botulism after eating a small piece of fermented swordfish. Doctors described botulism as a rare illness that can cause muscle paralysis, including the muscles used for breathing. She received antitoxin and inpatient care and is now in a Phoenix rehabilitation center, where she is recovering and expects to be discharged soon. Two friends who sampled the same fish were also reported as ill and received medical treatment. Key facts: - The patient, reported as 24 years old, ate a small piece of fermented swordfish and later developed food-borne botulism. - Medical teams diagnosed botulism, treated her with antitoxin, and provided hospitalization. - She is currently in rehab, can speak and walk, and an imminent discharge was reported by her medical team. - Two friends who tried the same fish were also reported as ill and received brief hospital care. Summary: Health officials note that food-borne botulism is rare but can be severe due to muscle weakness affecting breathing; only a few dozen cases are typically diagnosed in the U.S. each year. The patient is improving in rehab and expects outpatient care after discharge, and the two others who became ill are recovering at home.