Claudia de Albuquerque Celada, a 23-year-old snowboarder originally from Brazil, is currently hospitalized and fighting for her life after contracting a severe case of botulism. Claudia, who had been living in Aspen, Colorado, on a work exchange program, became critically ill following what is believed to be foodborne exposure to botulism toxin.
Botulism, a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves, can lead to paralysis, breathing difficulties, and even death if not treated promptly and properly. It affects roughly 100 people in the United States annually. The toxin is most commonly linked to improperly preserved foods, particularly homemade items, but can also occur in commercially canned goods.
Claudia’s ordeal began with symptoms including dizziness, double vision, and difficulty breathing. Within just 24 hours, she experienced complete paralysis of her muscles and was placed on a ventilator in intensive care. It took doctors two weeks to diagnose her with botulism.
According to reports, the suspected source of Claudia’s infection was a can of soup she purchased from a market stall. This has not been officially confirmed by her family, but a botulism survivor from Brazil, Doralice Goes, who has spoken publicly about the case, indicated the soup was commercially produced. The Pitkin County Health Department, overseeing public health matters in Aspen, has been investigating the case and described it as an isolated incident, confirming that they believe the source of exposure was identified and poses no ongoing risk to the public.
Claudia’s sister, Luisa Albuquerque, shared on social media that Claudia moved to Colorado in November for her dream job. The details of her employment are not specified, but her passion for snowboarding and the vibrant outdoor culture of Aspen likely played a role in her relocation.
Approximately 15 days after buying the soup, Claudia left work early due to feeling unwell. That evening, her condition rapidly deteriorated. By the time her friends arrived at her apartment the next morning, following a distress call she managed to send out, Claudia was barely able to breathe on her own and had developed facial paralysis.
Her family quickly flew to Colorado from Brazil, and after being diagnosed, they have faced not only the emotional strain of her illness but also significant financial burdens. Despite having travel insurance, the costs have been overwhelming. The family started a fundraising campaign to raise $200,000 to transport Claudia back to Sao Paulo for continued treatment and recovery closer to home. Swedish Medical Center in Denver, where she is being treated, has offered to cover the costs of her return to Brazil.
Recovery from botulism can be a lengthy process, often requiring months to a year of rehabilitation. Those affected may need to relearn basic physical functions like walking and talking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that even after recovery, survivors may experience ongoing issues such as fatigue and breathing difficulties.
