Salmonella

Salmonella is a family of bacteria that inhabits the intestines of animals. Salmonella is spread through fecal contamination of food, water and surfaces.

On April 26, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a warning against the consumption of alfalfa sprouts after approximately 30 people have been sickened. The cases have occurred in Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah and West Virginia.WebMD: FDA, CDC: Don't Eat Raw Alfalfa Sprouts Because... (April 27, 2009)

In January 2009, the Centers for Disease Control reported a new outbreak of salmonella that has sickened at least 500 people and killed 8 since September 2008.ABC News: Criminal Investigation Launched in Salmonella Outbreak (January 30, 2009) The salmonella outbreak was later linked to Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA does not sell peanut butter directly to consumers; its product is sold to institutions such as schools and hospitals, and to companies that use its peanut butter in other products.The Washington Post: Peanut Butter Eyed as Source of Salmonella Outbreak (January 10, 2009) One such customer is Kellogg's.CNN: Kellogg Warns Not to Eat Its Peanut Butter Crackers (January 14, 2009) Sen. Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, stated for the first time by a public official, that the response for a recall came too late, adding: "you all have got to figure out some way to speed up the process." The comments came during a questioning by the agriculture committee on February 5, 2009.The Washington Post: Health Official Admits Faster Action... (February 5, 2009)

On February 20, 2009 the Texas health department announced that were taking over the recall of peanut butter products from the Peanut Corporation of America's Plainview plant.CNN: Texas health department takes over peanut recall (February 20, 2009)

The infection begins with ingestion of the bacteria. Salmonella travels through the stomach and adheres to the lining of the small intestine. Within 12 to 72 hours, the infection will cause diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever. These symptoms usually last four to seven days.CDC: Salmonellosis

Poultry, meat and eggs are the most common carriers of the salmonella bacteria. Proper handling and cooking of these foods will reduce the likelihood of infection.CDC: Salmonellosis

Reptiles are known to carry salmonella. In 1975, the Centers for Disease Control banned the sale of turtles with a shell of under four inches. An estimated 90% of turtles carry the bacteria. A reported case of salmonella infection involved a baby being bathed in a sink where a turtle's waste had been disposed of.LiveScience: Pet Turtles Linked to Rise in Salmonella Infections(January 25, 2008)

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have been infected by salmonella, please consult your doctor.

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Salmonella Clinical Trials