Montgomery County, PA

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium. There have been several cases of Salmonella Typhimurium reported in Pennsylvania; however, there are currently no cases in Montgomery County. Health Department staff have enhanced surveillance within the county during the outbreak.

The CDC is leading the multi-state epidemiologic investigation which has identified peanut butter from a specific manufacturing plant in Georgia as the source of the outbreak.

The list of peanut butter and peanut paste containing products that may be affected is still being determined and is incomplete at this time. However, the list of currently recalled products can be found on the FDA website. FDA and the product manufacturers are working to determine the list of affected products, which may be extensive. Many companies have already announced whether their products include ingredients being recalled by Peanut Corporation of America, Georgia, and more companies are expected to make similar announcements.
 
According to CDC, as of January 20, 2009, health departments in 43 states and Canada have identified a total of 486 persons infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Typhimurium.

Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12–72 hours after infection. Infection is usually diagnosed by culture of a stool sample. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Although most people recover without treatment, severe infections may occur. Infants, elderly persons, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness. When severe infection occurs, Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

If you have symptoms of Salmonella, you should see your healthcare provider.

Below are links to the CDC, FDA and PA Department of Health website for more complete information.

http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html

http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/

http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?a=171&Q=252164

searchable recall database: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm