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12 Utah inmates sick after drinking prison pruno

Offenders are hospitalized from a suspected botulism outbreak

By Corrections1 Staff

SALT LAKE CITY — Twelve inmates at the Utah State Prison are hospitalized from a suspected botulism outbreak that may have been contracted after drinking alcohol brewed inside the prison.

Salt Lake Valley Health Department officials said that “pruno” was made inside a cell, then shared around the cell block according to Fox13.

Officials said eight inmates are hospitalized, three in critical condition. Four other offenders are being treated at the prison.

Health officials say foodborne botulism is a rare illness, but can be deadly because it can cause paralysis. Classic symptoms include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing and muscle weakness. It’s caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by bacteria.

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