The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and health officials are investigating a nationwide outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium.   Over 400 cases have been identified in 43 states.  Early data suggests that peanut butter distributed to institutional facilities (such as nursing homes or hospitals) may be associated with these illnesses.  In addition, products that contain peanut butter, such as cookies, candies, ice cream or crackers may be linked to the infection.  For a complete list of recalled products, visit the FDA's websites at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm. Jars of peanut butter sold in grocery stores have not been linked to these cases.

Here are some common questions about Salmonella.  For more information regarding the outbreak investigation, visit http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/.

Q. What is Salmonella?
A. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause diarrheal illness in humans.  The organism lives in the intestinal tract of infected humans and animals.  Salmonella infection can be contracted from touching and handling raw animal products or contaminated surfaces and not washing ones hands. It can also be contracted by ingesting contaminated foods. According to the CDC, over 40,000 cases of Salmonella are reported in the United States every year.

Q. What are the symptoms of Salmonella infection (salmonellosis)?
A. Most people experience diarrhea, abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, fever and chills within 8 to 72 hours after the bacteria was ingested. Additional symptoms may be headache, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms usually disappear within 4 to 7 days. Many people with salmonellosis recover without treatment and may never see a doctor.

Q.  Is Salmonella infection serious? 
A.  Usually not; most people recover naturally without treatment.  However, Salmonella infections may be serious and even require hospitalization for certain high-risk individuals including infants, young children, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women-their unborn babies, and older adults.

Q. How do people get infected with Salmonella?
A.   Salmonella is usually transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with the bacteria. Salmonella present on raw meat and poultry can survive if the product is not cooked to the proper temperature.  Salmonella can also cause illness through cross-contamination. An example is when juices from raw meat or poultry come in contact with ready-to-eat foods.   Food may also become contaminated by the unwashed hands of an infected food handler. Salmonella can also be found in the feces of some pets, especially those with diarrhea. People can become infected if they do not wash their hands after contact with these feces. Reptiles are particularly likely to harbor Salmonella on their skins. People should always wash their hands immediately after handling a reptile, even if the reptile appears healthy.

Q. What foods are most likely to make people sick with Salmonella?
A.  Any raw food of animal origin, such as meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, seafood, and some fruits and vegetables may carry Salmonella bacteria. The bacteria can survive to cause illness if the meat, poultry, and egg products are not cooked to a safe temperature and if fruits and vegetables are not thoroughly washed. Also, improperly processed commercial foods, i.e. peanut butter, can transmit the bacteria if they become contaminated. Safe food handling practices are necessary to prevent bacteria on raw foods from causing illness.

Q.  How is Salmonella infection diagnosed? 
A.  There are several different illnesses that can cause diarrhea, fever, or abdominal cramps.  Laboratory testing of an infected person’s stool is the only way to tell if the illness is caused by the Salmonella bacteria.

Q. How can consumers prevent Salmonella illnesses?
A.   Follow these guidelines for to prevent infection:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water

• Before preparing food
• After handling raw foods
• After handling animals (especially turtles, iguanas, & chickens)
• After using the restroom
• After changing diapers

Prepare foods safely

• Cook foods to proper temperatures
• Do not eat foods containing raw eggs or unpasteurized milk
• Don’t cross-contaminate.  Keep raw meats and their juices away from fresh, ready-to-eat foods.  Use separate cutting boards and utensils for meats and produce
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly
• Thaw foods in the refrigerator, microwave, or in cold water—not on the counter
•  Clean kitchen surfaces after they have been in contact with raw foods