Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Responds To Multi-State Outbreak Of Peanut Butter- Related Salmonella Infections
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2007
Contact
Rachella Thompson
217-531-5361
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Responds To Multi-State Outbreak Of Peanut Butter- Related Salmonella Infections
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD), in addition to state health officials, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating a large, multi-state outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to the consumption of peanut butter. The two brands of peanut butter currently linked to the outbreak are Peter Pan and Great Value. The specific jars have product codes beginning with “2111”.
“CUPHD’s communicable disease investigator and epidemiologist are in constant communication with the Illinois Department of Public Health” says Vito Palazzolo, Administrator of CUPHD “Although there have been cases in Illinois, to date, there have been no confirmed cases of peanut butter-related salmonella infections in Champaign County.”
Salmonella is a bacterium that causes much of the food poisoning in the world, including an estimated 4 million cases in the United States, and 1,500-2,000 in Illinois each year.
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 can be so severe that the person needs medical attention. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are most likely to have complications.
Persons who suspect they may have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised to contact their health care provider for testing, and contact Rachella Thompson, Communicable Disease Investigator at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. Testing involves providing a stool sample to test for the presence of Salmonella.
For more information on Salmonella and other related food-borne illnesses go to the CUPHD website at www.c-uphd.org.
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