The Salmonella outbreak has been reported in 529 people and caused 8 deaths such far. Outbreak has been found in 43 states and in Canada. It has been uncovered that a Georgia peanut plant, Peanut Corp. of America identified salmonella in several of their internal controls (small samples of peanut butter taken during production) two years ago. Peanut Corp. did not report the salmonella contamination even after the salmonella outbreak started. They continued to distribute the peanut butter and paste dispite the presence of Salmonella. A recent inspection by Food and Drug Administration inspectors found roaches, moth and a leaky roof among some of the problems. Several people have requested a probe into criminal charges against Peanut Corp.
Salmonellosis is an infection with a 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.
For additional information about the Salmonella outbreak please read the following:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm58e0129a1.htm?s_cid=mm58e0129a1_e
Yours in Good Health
