Woman Felled by Tiny Bite of Fermented Swordfish

A 24-year-old woman from Arizona is recovering after developing a severe case of foodborne botulism that left her temporarily paralyzed and dependent on a ventilator.

Trinity Peterson-Mayes, a wedding planner from Phoenix, says the illness began after she tried a small piece—about the size of a quarter—of fermented swordfish in February. The fish had been prepared by a friend and was believed to be beneficial for gut health. Instead, the tasting led to a medical emergency.

Peterson-Mayes, who previously survived cancer twice during childhood, first noticed something was wrong when she struggled to swallow water. She later nearly choked while drinking coffee. Concerned about the sudden symptoms, she went to the emergency room. Doctors initially had difficulty determining what was causing her condition.

She was eventually transferred to St. Joseph’s Medical Center and the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. There, doctors diagnosed her with botulism, a rare but dangerous form of food poisoning caused by toxins that attack the nervous system. She was given antitoxin treatment.

According to emergency physician Dr. Frank LoVecchio, foodborne botulism is uncommon in the United States, with roughly two dozen cases reported each year. However, the illness can be life-threatening because it can paralyze the muscles required for breathing.

Peterson-Mayes says her condition worsened quickly. She lost consciousness and later woke up unable to move, speak, or breathe on her own. She required a ventilator while doctors treated the effects of the toxin.

Two of the five friends who also tasted the fermented swordfish were hospitalized with botulism as well, though they are now recovering.

Peterson-Mayes is currently staying at a rehabilitation facility as she continues her recovery. A fundraising campaign organized to help with medical expenses has raised nearly $9,000 so far.

Looking back at the experience, Peterson-Mayes says the fish tasted unpleasant from the start. She expected it might cause a stomachache, but never imagined it would lead to such a serious illness.