Victims of a salmonella outbreak have been identified in 42 different states, and King Nut Companies has now recalled several peanut butter products believed to be infested with salmonella. Thus far, 388 people have succumbed to illness, and one had the illness at the time of her death, although it is unclear if the salmonella was actually the cause.. Health officials in a few states have reported the illness, with Ohio and California reporting the highest number of cases, at 51 cases each.

What is salmonella? Salmonella (or salmonellosis) is an infection caused by bacteria. It is often food-borne, and can cause people who eat foods contaminated with the bacteria to become ill within 12 to 72 hours after infection.

Symptoms of salmonella include abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea. In some cases, the diarrhea is severe, and may necessitate hospitalization due to dehydration. The infection can also spread to the bloodstream if untreated and can cause death. Most patients, however, recover with no specific treatment. Those who may become very ill include the young, the elderly, and people whose immune system does not function properly.

The salmonella organism lives in the intestinal tracts of animals and humans, and can be spread to humans when they eat foods which have been contaminated with the bacteria through animal feces. Foods which harbor the organism can include animal products, such as meat and eggs, but food can also be contaminated by humans who are carrying the virus. The best way to ensure you and your family do not get the virus is to thoroughly wash vegetables and cook foods thoroughly. washing your hands after a visit to the washroom is another good habit to adhere to.

The CDC is responsible for monitoring outbreaks of Salmonella and, in the case of large outbreaks such as the present one, assists local and state authorities to control the outbreak.

Related Links:

Video: Good Eating for GI Health from illumistream

Salmonellosis from the CDC

Salmonellosis: Topic Overview from Web MD