Irishman remains hospitalised in France after wife dies from botulism complications

The Tchin Thin wine bar is seen in Bordeaux, southwestern France, Thursday, Sept.14, 2023. Picture: AP Photo/Sophie Garcia

An Irishman remains in intensive care in France after his wife died of complications of botulism contracted during the rugby World Cup in Bordeaux.

The couple, who married last May, had travelled to Bordeaux for the Irish game against Romania where they ate in the Tchin Tchin wine bar which has been linked to a deadly outbreak of botulism.

The man, who is from Mayo, had been living in Paris with his wife, 32, who is understood to be from Athens.

The couple became ill and returned to Paris where they went to hospital.

Some of his family travelled to France to be with him at his bedside.

His family has appealed to Irish fans returning from Bordeaux to be warned of the symptoms of botulism, a potentially life-threatening illness.

The HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre said that it is aware of Irish residents who are suspected of contracting botulism and who are being treated in France.

The HSE advised the public that anyone who ate sardines at the Tchin Tchin Wine Bar on 3 Rue Emile Duploye, 33000 Bordeaux, between Monday, September 4 and Sunday, September 10, and who feel unwell should seek urgent medical care at an Emergency Department.

Up to 25 people may have been infected with botulism after eating sardines in the wine bar in recent days.

At least 12 people are known to have been infected with the toxin.

Botulism is a potentially deadly neurological disease usually contracted through eating improperly preserved food. 

Symptoms of botulism include abdominal pains, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred or double vision and a dry mouth accompanied by a difficulty swallowing or even speaking.

The Tchin Tchin restaurant has been closed and it has been banned from making any more preserved fish.

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