HONOLULU -- Maui Memorial Hospital is sending specimens to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta from a man officials believe contracted botulism.

Jonathan Stockton became sick with symptoms of botulism after eating chili that was recalled nationwide. (Read more about what led up to Stockton's illness.)

Maui health officials are also sending to the CDC for analysis the remaining can of Cattle Drive Chili from which Stockton ate.

"We have one suspect case. It hasn't been confirmed yet, but we are being very cautious and we are taking all precautionary measures to alert the community," state Health Director Dr. Chiyome Fukino said.

Botulism is caused by toxins produced by bacteria. The extremely poisonous toxins attack the nervous system, creating potentially life-threatening conditions.

Fukino said that botulism is relatively rare. The last case in Hawaii was 10 years ago.

If you have purchased any of the recalled products, do not open or consume them, health officials said.

The state Health Department recommends you put the cans in two plastic bags that are tightly closed, and then tape the bags and put them in the trash.

If you notice that any of the cans are swollen, bulging or leaking, the health department recommends you put on gloves and eye protection before double bagging and disposing of the cans.

Slowly remove gloves and throw them away and then wash hands with soap and running water for at least two minutes.