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LANCASTER, Ohio (AP) — Congregants sickened in a botulism outbreak at a church potluck in central Ohio say they are counting their blessings as they recover.
Health officials say home-canned potatoes used in a potato salad were the likely source of the outbreak that killed a 55-year-old woman died and sickened at least 20 others. The salad was served at the April 19 potluck at Cross Pointe Free Will Baptist Church in Lancaster, which is southeast of Columbus.
WBNS-TV reports (http://bit.ly/1HmVTTQ ) that congregants gathered Sunday evening to call for unity after the outbreak.
The church's pastor, Bill Pitts, says seven people are still hospitalized and some need help while recovering at home.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria.
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Information from: WBNS-TV, http://www.10tv.com/
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