Clenbuterol food poisoning from snake meat consumption : An outbreak of 13 cases

Abstract

We report a documented outbreak of clenbuterol food poisoning involving 13 patients who consumed snake meat in Shenzhen. They developed headache, palpitation, tachycardia, hypokalaemia and other symptoms within first 3 hours after exposure. They were initially treated with gastric lavage, fluid and potassium replacement and other supportive measures. All of them completely recovered after admission for up to 48 hours. Public health investigation identified clenbuterol compound in four victims' urine and the food source of snake meat they consumed.