Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Food and Drug Administration - February 20, 2009
Richard Klein & Kimberly Struble
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been receiving reports of illnesses caused by a type of Salmonella called Salmonella Typhimurium, which have been traced to certain peanut products.
People with impaired immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are more likely to become severely ill from a Salmonella infection than are others. When severe infection occurs, Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and can even cause death unless properly treated.
Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps within12 to 72 hours after infection. Illness ranges from mild to severe. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, infants, the elderly, and people with impaired immune systems are more likely to become severely ill from a Salmonella infection than are others.
If you have the symptoms listed above, see your health professional. Infection is usually diagnosed by culture of a stool sample. If your health professional determines you have the Salmonella infection, he or she will likely recommend that you increase your fluid intake to replace losses from diarrhea and, in some (but not all) instances, may also prescribe antibiotics to speed recovery. Your health professional can help you determine the right amount and type of fluid for your particular needs.
More information is available on the FDA web site as Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about the Recent Salmonella Outbreak: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph/faq.html.
A list of peanut products affected by the recall can be found on FDA's searchable Peanut Butter and other Peanut Containing Products Recall List: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm.
Richard Klein
Office of Special Health Issues
Food and Drug Administration
Kimberly Struble
Division of Antiviral Drug Products
Food and Drug Administration
090220
FD090203
SOURCE: Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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