# 2728
No, this isn't about bird flu. But it is important, nonetheless.
As of January 25th, 2009 more than 500 cases of Salmonella poisoning have been reported to the CDC, coming from 43 states. As many as 8 deaths may be related to this outbreak.
This Salmonella contamination has been traced to a Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) facility in Blakely, Ga. Potentially contaminated peanut butter has been sold to many other food manufacturers, resulting in a recall of more than 400 food products.
Salmonella poisoning, called Salmonellosis, is described by the CDC as follows:
Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called Salmonella. Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.
The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized.
In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.
Some people who have followed the HHS's and FEMA's advice to stockpile a couple of weeks worth of food may have peanut butter products in their stash, and need to check carefully to make sure they aren't part of the recall list.
The CDC and HHS along the the FDA have set up a special blog to keep the public informed of the latest recall information regarding this outbreak.
Social media, like blogs, videos, podcasts, and twitter micro-blogging are being used increasingly by government agencies to get the word out on a variety of important topics.
Case in point, I learned about this website from my Twitter feed.
A hat tip to @AndrewPWilson on Twitter, one of the team members working on social media at the HHS for this update.
Links
FDA Peanut Butter Recall Update
Searchable Product Recall List
CDC Salmonella Outbreak Update
Today, there is a message from the Acting Director of the CDC, Dr. Richard E. Besser regarding the ongoing investigation.
Yesterday, there were two blog entries: Ingredient Driven Outbreaks: The Inside is Bigger than the Outside and:
Peanut Butter Product Recalls Expanded
Based on CDC and FDA's ongoing investigation of the Salmonella outbreak, consumers are advised:
- Do not eat peanut butter products that have been recalled.
- Peanut Corporation of America expands recall of all peanuts and peanut products produced since January 2007. Includes dry and oil roasted peanuts and granulated peanuts.
- To date, no association has been found with major national brand name jars of peanut butter sold in grocery stores.
- Do not feed recalled pet products to your pet or other animals. Throw away the product and immediately wash your hands and pet utensils. Learn more about handling pets that may have eaten contaminated products.
- If you are concerned about a product, call the consumer hotline phone number on the product packaging.
- Check out additional consumer advice, the latest information from CDC and updates from FDA.
- Call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) for up-to-date information. Representatives are available 24/7 to answer your questions in English and Spanish.
