The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Public health officials in multiple states and the CDC are investigating a large outbreak of Salmonella Tennessee infections linked to consuming Great Value or Peter Pan Peanut Butter brands.

Cowlitz County has four suspected cases involving the recalled peanut butter. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

Brands other than Peter Pan or Great Value have not been implicated in the outbreak, and according to the CDC, should not be cause for concern. Consumers without symptoms of illness who have purchased Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter are advised to discard any remaining product or return it to the store for a refund.

For questions about food safety contact DOH Food Safety Program at 360-236-3330, or FDA Consumer Inquiries at 888-INFO-FDA.

For more information on the Salmonella infection, including this outbreak, go to www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/submenus/sub_salmonella.htm.

To report a case or to ask questions about salmonella, call the Wahkiakum County Health Department at 360-795-6207.