Botulism in Kharkiv region: 5 cases in 2026, one fatal
In 2026, 5 cases of botulism were registered in Kharkiv region, one of which resulted in death. The primary cause of the illness was homemade fish products. In total, from 2014 to 2025, the region recorded 33 cases of botulism and 5 deaths.
In 2026, 5 cases of botulism were recorded in Kharkiv region, according to Lubov Makhota, the director general of the State Department "Kharkiv Regional Center for Control and Prevention of Diseases of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine" and the chief sanitary doctor of the Kharkiv region.
Among the patients are four men (military personnel) and one woman. In three cases, the cause of illness was homemade fish products: smoked fish, canned fish, and beef tongue. Another case is related to the administration of botulinotoxin during a cosmetic procedure. One man died on the 13th day after consuming homemade canned beef tongue.
In total, from 2014 to 2025, 33 cases of botulism were registered in the region. The highest number occurred in 2014 (10 cases). In 2016 and 2022, 2 people each fell ill. There were no cases registered in 2019, 2023, 2024, and 2025. During this period, there were 5 deaths as a result of botulotoxin poisoning and subsequent complications from the disease.
The main cause of the illness is fish (cured or smoked). Other cases are linked to the consumption of canned fish, meat, mushrooms, and seafood. In 90% of cases, the unsafe products were homemade or purchased from unregulated vendors. Botulism cases have been reported in the Kharkiv, Lozov, Berehyn, Izum, and Chuguyiv districts of the region.