Salmonella outbreak spreads to 42 states, CDC says

google.com ^ | 01/07/09 | AP

[TornadoAlley3]

ATLANTA (AP) — Health officials are investigating a salmonella outbreak that has reportedly sickened nearly 400 people in 42 states, but they don't know how the bacteria are spreading.

[1rudeboy]

Remember the Chilean grape outbreak few years back?

The 1990's one? That turned out to be fake?

[fanfan]

They must know which states are affected though.

Maybe I should just bring lots of canned food for the week?

LOL.

[SwinneySwitch]

http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/GeneralInfectiousDisease/12371 The CDC has not identified all of the states involved -- or even where those first cases occurred -- but Lola Russell, an agency spokesperson, said that a list should be available later today or tomorrow.

Ohio's Department of Health reported that 50 cases have been identified there, the second highest in the nation. Local media have reported eight cases in Arizona, 51 in California, 20 in Michigan, and five in Texas.

To lower the risk for infection, the CDC recommends avoiding raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, meat, and raw or unpasteurized milk, as well as washing all produce thoroughly.

In addition, the agency said, individuals should wash their hands before handling food and between handling different food products, as well as after handling small animals, particularly reptiles.

[fanfan]

5 in Texas?

Thanks SwinneySwitch.

[MrPiper]

"OK, I don’t cook peanut butter, but it is made in the USA!"

That's an obscure reference that will probably go over most folks heads.

Wasn't that outbreak linked to a leaky roof?

Yep! However, the class action lawsuit failed due to not finding any sick people. Funny

[Eroteme]

I don’t get this. If you cook everything at home, why worry? OK, I don’t cook peanut butter, but it is made in the USA!

oops...

ATLANTA – Federal officials have not yet identified the cause of a salmonella outbreak striking almost 400 people in 42 states, but state officials in Minnesota said Friday they believe peanut butter may be involved. On Friday, the Minnesota Department of Health said preliminary laboratory testing found salmonella bacteria in a 5-pound container of King Nut brand creamy peanut butter. AP article here

King Nut is based in Ohio, where the majority of cases appear to be centered.

[IYAS9YAS]

The Dalles, Oregon First Acknowledged Bio Attack in US about half-way down, under the sub-chapter "The Oregon Commune."

[IYAS9YAS]

That’s ten people a state. Is that really an outbreak?

I'd say, yes. I have had the symptoms, my wife has had them, and many people we know have had them. The ones likely going to the doctors are the ones hid hard by them, which is little ones and the elderly.

Most I know just stay home, take the medicine, and wait it out. We don't go to the hospital unless it gets real bad (dehydration, etc...).