Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Dry Dog Food Continues

Contaminated dry dog food is the cause, cases started in 2006
Eight more people -- mostly young children -- infected, bringing total to 79, CDC says-- Eight more cases of people becoming infected with Salmonella traced to dry dog food have been identified. The outbreak, which started in 2006, marks the first time that dry dog food has been identified as a source of the bacterial infection in people.As of Oct. 31, 79 cases of Salmonella Schwarzengrund had been reported in 21 states. Most of the cases involved children 2 years old and younger, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The dog food has been traced to a Mars Petcare U.S. plant in Everson, Pa. On Sept. 12, the company announced a recall of approximately 23,109 tons of dry dog and cat food sold under 105 brand names. The plant is now closed, the CDC said in the Nov. 7 issue of its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.In late 2007, the plant was shut down for several months for remodeling, cleaning and disinfection, Barton Behravesh said. Young children are particularly vulnerable, because they're more likely to get sick from small doses of salmonella, Barton Behravesh said.

The primary cause of infection was feeding a pet in the kitchen, she said.People can take a few simple steps to protect themselves from Salmonella infection from pet food, Imperato said. "These include regular washing of pet feeding bowls to prevent bacterial growth; the thorough washing of hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after handling dry pet foods, including pet treats; and scrupulously avoiding contact between dry pet foods and foods consumed by humans and food preparation surfaces and utensils," he said.Infection with the Salmonella pathogen produces an illness called salmonellosis.

According to the CDC, most infected people develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps within 12 to 72 hours. The illness typically lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. But, for some, the diarrhea may be so severe that they need to be hospitalized. In these patients, the infection can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, and then to other parts of the body, leading to death unless antibiotics are administered promptly. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.
Source: http://health.usnews.com

Aporte: Guillermo Figueroa