CDC links 20-state Salmonella outbreak to kratom products: 4 things to know

Twenty-eight people across 20 states have contracted Salmonella infections linked to kratom products since last October, according to an outbreak summary the CDC posted Tuesday. 

Kratom, derived from a plant native to Southeast Asia, is sold in the U.S. as teas, powders, capsules and energy drinks, among other forms. Consumers often use the substance as a pain treatment.

Here are four things to know about the outbreak.

1. While epidemiological evidence suggests kratom is the cause of the outbreak, the CDC has not identified a specific supplier as the exact source. The agency recommends "people not consume kratom in any form because it could be contaminated with Salmonella and could make people sick."

2. The outbreak has contributed to 11 hospitalizations. None of the 28 infected individuals have died.

3. States affected by the outbreak are California with three cases; North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Utah with two cases each; and Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Dakota, New York, South Carolina and Tennessee with one case each.

4. The last infection occurred Jan. 30. The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing.

More articles on infection control: 
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Troubled Illinois VA facility sees 4 Legionnaires' cases in February: 5 things to know 
US hockey player's father contracts norovirus amid Olympic outbreak

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