Salmonella Outbreak Cases Still Rising

The first patients fell ill as far back as August, but most cases have appeared in the past three months. Symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and the effects usually last four to seven days.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the number of patients affected by the recent salmonella outbreak has risen to 370, and incidents have been reported in 42 states. The CDC and FDA are asking consumers to refrain from eating all jars of Peter Pan peanut butter and “2111” lots of Great Value peanut butter.

The first patients fell ill as far back as August, but most cases have appeared in the past three months. Symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps within 12 to 72 hours after infection, and the effects usually last four to seven days. Although most people recover without treatment, the elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more susceptible to severe illness.

The CDC confirmed that the outbreak was connected to tainted peanut butter made at a ConAgra plant in Sylvester, Georgia. A recall of the product has expanded internationally as authorities try to ascertain just how the contamination occurred. Several lawsuits have been filed against the producer, including one brought by the family of Roberta Barkay, a Pennsylvania woman who died last month, alleging that Barkay’s death resulted from consuming the company’s salmonella contaminated peanut butter. The couple is claiming negligence and wrongful death and seeking unspecified damages.

If you are sick and suspect salmonella poisoning, make an appointment with a doctor to get treatment.