PHOENIX, Ariz. — A dangerous dinner party left 24-year-old Trinity Peterson-Mayes, a cancer survivor, hospitalized with botulism, a rare and potentially deadly illness caused by bacteria-borne toxins. The meal that triggered her terrifying symptoms was fermented swordfish, a dish that Peterson-Mayes thought would be a healthy culinary experiment.
The Incident
Peterson-Mayes, who had shared a meal with friends last month, initially experienced trouble swallowing, speaking, and moving. “Slowly, over the course of 24 hours, I went from not being able to chug water to not being able to drink any water at all,” Peterson-Mayes explained in an interview with KPNX.
After struggling with severe symptoms, including violently choking on a sip of coffee, Peterson-Mayes sought emergency medical attention.
What Caused the Symptoms? Fermented Swordfish
The culprit behind Peterson-Mayes’ sudden illness was fermented swordfish, which she described as tasting “horrible.” Though she knew it might give her a stomachache, she chose to try the dish, thinking it was meant to be healthy. Unfortunately, the dish was contaminated with botulism toxins.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness that attacks the nervous system, blocking communication between nerves and muscles. If untreated, botulism can cause respiratory failure, muscle paralysis, and even death.
The Symptoms of Botulism
Symptoms of botulism typically appear within 12 to 36 hours of exposure. They include:
- Dizziness
- Blurred or double vision
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle weakness
- Abdominal distension
- Constipation
While botulism is rare, it can be fatal if not treated quickly with the appropriate antitoxin.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Upon being admitted to the hospital, Peterson-Mayes’ condition worsened. She was unable to swallow even her own saliva, and her facial muscles weakened. She was transferred to St. Joseph’s Medical Center and Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix for specialized care.
As the toxin spread through her body, Peterson-Mayes was placed on a ventilator and intubated. “I woke up, and I had three IVs. I was intubated, I had a central line in my neck, and I couldn’t move at all,” she recalled. “It was very scary. I wasn’t able to talk. I wasn’t able to walk.”
Thanks to the timely administration of a life-saving antitoxin, Peterson-Mayes has begun the slow process of recovery, although regaining muscle strength after botulism can take months.
A Rare and Life-Threatening Illness
Each year, there are about 24 cases of foodborne botulism in the United States. Despite this rarity, the condition has a high mortality rate without prompt diagnosis and medical intervention, with 5-10% of cases being fatal, according to the World Health Organization.
Though the bacteria causing botulism are common, they only produce the toxin in specific conditions, such as when there is low oxygen, low acidity, and other environmental factors present.
Impact on Friends
Out of the five people who shared the fermented swordfish dish with Peterson-Mayes, two others were also diagnosed with botulism. While they have since been discharged from the hospital, Peterson-Mayes remains in care and is expected to be released soon.
However, she anticipates a long recovery, stating that it could take months before she feels normal again. Given her near-death experience, she has become wary of seafood. “I am scared of sushi now, too,” she admitted.
Fundraising for Medical Bills
As Peterson-Mayes continues to recover, her mother, Loren, has started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her daughter’s medical bills and living expenses during this difficult time.
