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Public health officials in multiple states, with the assistance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are investigating a large outbreak of Salmonella Tennessee infections. As of February 14, 2007, 288 persons with illness have been reported to CDC from 39 states, including New Jersey.
State public health officials continue to investigate. Among 120 patients for whom clinical information is available, 31 (26%) were hospitalized. There have been no reports of deaths attributed to this infection. Onset dates, which are known for 140 patients, ranged from August 1, 2006 to January 21, 2007.
CDC is working with state and local health officials, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to determine the food responsible for this outbreak. Public health investigators have identified peanut butter as being consumed more often by ill persons than well persons and as statistically linked with illness. Evaluation of additional information about the brand of peanut butter, the consumption habits of cases, and the patterns of distribution of cases is ongoing. Health officials and the peanut butter industry representatives are working collaboratively to learn more about production of peanut butter to determine how it may have become contaminated.
Persons who think they may have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised to visit their health care provider and call their local health departments.
For moire information abouth this an other public health alerts, please visit: NJ LINCS Health Alert Network.
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