RIYADH: More than half of the patients who contracted food poisoning caused by the clostridium botulinum bacteria last Thursday were released from intensive care and 25 discharged from a local hospital, the Ministry of Health reported on X.

The ministry’s spokesperson Dr. Mohammed Khalid Alabdulaali confirmed that the only source of the contaminated food was from the local Hamburgini fast-food restaurant chain.

“We confirm that there are no other sources to which the cases were linked other than what was previously explained, and we recommend the importance of taking information from official sources and the necessity of avoiding spreading rumors and unconfirmed information,” he said.

Botulism, caused by the bacteria, is a life-threatening neurological disorder resulting in paralysis and death if not treated promptly.

Gastroenterologist Mohammed Al-Awamy told Arab News that botulism is caused by the ingestion of contaminated food.

“In situations where the anaerobic bacteria thrive, for example in situations where oxygen is minimal ... this is seen in canned goods and in meats that have been packed in vacuum-sealed packing.

He said that botulism can be avoided by making sure that sources of contamination are eliminated. “This would mean tracing any source of possible contaminated food and ensuring the safe storage and processing of food products.”

He said botulism is life-threatening. “Symptoms start in the face and then descend to involve the limbs and trunk. Respiratory failure ensues due to involvement of the respiratory system leading to cardiopulmonary collapse.”

He said anyone who has symptoms or is suspected of having botulism must seek urgent medical attention.

“Treatment is supportive but may require the utilization of advanced life-support measures. Anti-toxin is available and will be administered in suspected cases pending confirmatory tests. ICU admission and mechanical ventilation may be needed in more advanced cases.”

Riyadh: The third Saudi Water Forum, being held in Riyadh until May 1, has featured 10 workshops focusing on the future of the water sector, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

The forum was inaugurated on Monday by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli under the theme “Water Sustainability ... Our Responsibility.”

The forum began with a workshop titled “Getting Started with MODFLOW for Groundwater Modeling” presented by a US Geological Survey speaker, alongside Saudi Aramco sessions titled “Water Conservation” and “Water Safety Plan.”

The National Water Co. presented its future projects and investment opportunities, showcasing its capital projects portfolio, long-term operation and maintenance contracts, and efforts to localize industries in the water sector.

The Saudi Irrigation Organization held a workshop titled “Innovative Techniques to Enhance Irrigation Efficiency and Agricultural Sustainability,” while the Saline Water Conversion Corp. hosted discussions on innovation and challenges in relation to emerging technologies.

The Saudi Water Partnership Co. outlined its services and future projects, while several UN organizations hosted a discussion titled “The Role of International Organizations in Developing the Water Sector.”

Additional workshops included “Water Treatment and Digital Solutions” by K-Water Corp. and “Non-Revenue Water Management” by the Turkish Society for Infrastructure and Trenchless Technologies.

Al-Fadhli opened the forum by stating that Saudi Arabia has launched several regional and global initiatives to address water challenges and explore sustainable solutions, aligning with Vision 2030.

He emphasized the government’s support and commitment to overcoming obstacles in the water sector, to enable the implementation of various strategic projects throughout the Kingdom.

Al-Fadhli highlighted the significance of Saudi Arabia’s water sector initiatives, noting their role in advancing national goals. He said the Kingdom is the world’s largest producer of desalinated water, underscoring the pivotal role of these initiatives.

Saudi Arabia’s projects include the establishment of the Global Water Organization, headquartered in Riyadh. This initiative showcases the Kingdom’s role in supporting global efforts to address water challenges and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.