Local schools, nursing homes warned of botulism threat

A Knox County private school is warning parents to watch for botulism symptoms in students over the holiday break.

Episcopal School of Knoxville sent an e-mail to parents Thursday to inform them that some of the school cafeteria's green beans have been recalled by the supplier due to botulism.

The school served "New Era" brand green beans in a casserole on December 19.

No cases of botulism among students or staff have been reported.

Botulism symptoms generally appear within 24 hours, but the incubation period can be up to 14 days.

According to the CDC, botulism symptoms include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. Infants with botulism appear lethargic, feed poorly, are constipated, and have a weak cry and poor muscle tone.

According to health Department official Mark Jones, the recalled beans were distributed to several food service locations in Knox County, as well as a number of other area locations.

These include:

Perkins Family Restaurant - Dandridge 500 South Highway 107 - Del Rio C&W Drive-in - Etowah West Main restaurant - Greeneville Baileyton - Greeneville Camp Creek - Greeneville Glenwood- Greeneville Nolachuckey- Greeneville South Greene- Greeneville Peggy Ann Bakery- Greeneville North Greene - Greeneville Ottway - Greeneville West Pines- Greeneville First Baptist Church - Jefferson City NHC Place - Kingston Springs Kingston Springs Cafe - Kingston SPrings West Hills Baptist Church - Knoxville NHC Emerald Avenue - Knoxville Cottage Restaurant - Lake City Summit View - Lake City Baptist Health Care Center - Lenoir City The Palace Cafe - Maryville 297 West Street - Mosheim Bridgeport - Newport Centerview - Newport NHC - Oak Ridge Cherokee Restaurant - Rogersville Tellico West Child Development Ctr - Vonore HHT - Athens NHC - Athens Doak Elementary - Greeneville Greeneville Middle School - Greeneville Hal Henard Elementary - Greeneville Eastview Elementary - Greeneville Saint Joseph's School - Knoxville Episcopal School of Knoxville St. John Neumann School - Knoxville Hillcrest Elementary - Morristown M-H West High - Morristown M-H East High - Morristown Union Heights Elementary- Morristown Westview Middle - Morristown Alpha Elementary- Morristown John Hay Elementary - Morristown Surgoinsville Elementary - Surgoinsville Cocke County High School - Newport Northwest School - Newport