Cancer Survivor Hospitalized After Eating Fermented Swordfish

Trinity Peterson-Mayes, 24, nearly died from botulism after sharing a meal with friends.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:10pm

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After sharing a meal with friends last month, 24-year-old Trinity Peterson-Mayes found herself unable to swallow, speak or move. She was eventually diagnosed with botulism, a rare but serious illness caused by bacteria-borne toxins that attack the nervous system. Peterson-Mayes was hospitalized and placed on a ventilator as her condition deteriorated, but was given a life-saving antitoxin and is now in the slow process of recovery.

Why it matters

Botulism is a rare but potentially fatal illness, with a mortality rate of 5-10% without prompt diagnosis and treatment. This case highlights the dangers of consuming improperly prepared fermented foods, which can lead to the growth of the bacteria that cause botulism under certain conditions.

The details

After eating a meal that included fermented swordfish, Peterson-Mayes experienced symptoms like difficulty swallowing, speaking and moving. She was eventually diagnosed with botulism, a serious illness caused by toxins that block nerve function and can lead to respiratory issues, muscle paralysis and even death. Peterson-Mayes was hospitalized, placed on a ventilator as her condition worsened, and given a life-saving antitoxin. Two of her friends who also ate the fermented fish were also diagnosed with botulism.

  • Last month, Peterson-Mayes shared a meal with friends that included fermented swordfish.
  • Within 24 hours, Peterson-Mayes went from being unable to chug water to being unable to drink any water at all.
  • After violently choking on a sip of coffee, Peterson-Mayes sought emergency medical attention.
  • Upon diagnosis, Peterson-Mayes was transferred to a specialized hospital for neurological care.
  • Peterson-Mayes expects to be discharged in the coming week, but said it could take months before she feels normal again.

The players

Trinity Peterson-Mayes

A 24-year-old cancer survivor who was hospitalized with a rare, life-threatening case of botulism after eating fermented swordfish with friends.

Loren Peterson-Mayes

The mother of Trinity Peterson-Mayes, who has started a GoFundMe to support her daughter's recovery.

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What they’re saying

“Slowly, over the course of 24 hours, I went from not being able to chug water to not being able to drink any water at all.”

— Trinity Peterson-Mayes (KPNX)

“It tasted horrible, I'm going to be so honest. It's supposed to be healthy, and I figured I might as well try, if it's bad and I'll just get a bad stomachache.”

— Trinity Peterson-Mayes (KPNX)

“I woke up, and I had three IVs. I was intubated, I had a central line in my neck, and I couldn't move at all. It was very scary. I wasn't able to talk. I wasn't able to walk.”

— Trinity Peterson-Mayes (KPNX)

“I am scared of sushi now, too.”

— Trinity Peterson-Mayes (KPNX)

What’s next

Peterson-Mayes expects to be discharged from the hospital in the coming week, but said it could take months before she feels normal again.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious health risks associated with consuming improperly prepared fermented foods, which can lead to the growth of bacteria that cause the rare but potentially fatal illness of botulism. It serves as a cautionary tale for those considering experimenting with homemade fermented dishes.