Food-borne botulism outbreak during the Rugby World Cup linked to marinated sardines in Bordeaux, France, September 2023
Léa Courtot-Melciolle, Marine Jauvain, Mona Siefridt, Renaud Prével, Olivia Peuchant, Olivier Guisset, Gaëlle Mourissoux, Laure Diancourt, Christelle Mazuet, Gauthier Delvallez, Alexandre Boyer, Arthur Orieux
Abstract
In September 2023, a botulism outbreak affecting 15 individuals occurred in Bordeaux, France, during the Rugby World Cup. We report on eight individuals from four different countries on two continents admitted to the intensive care unit at our hospital, where six required invasive mechanical ventilation. Cases reported consuming locally produced canned sardines at a restaurant. This report highlights the importance of rapid, worldwide alerts from health authorities to prevent severe consequences of such outbreaks, particularly during events attracting international visitors.