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  • Apr
    6
    2018

    Kratom linked to multi-state salmonella outbreak

    Posted by: Health and Human Services

    ​As of March 23, 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is reporting a total of 87 people in 35 states infected with Salmonella related to kratom consumption dating back as far as January of 2017. There have been eight cases reported in Oregon to date including a case in Polk County and a case in Marion County. 

    Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical plant in the coffee tree family. It grows naturally in many areas of Southeast Asia including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. It has stimulant and opioid-like properties and is consumed for its stimulant effects, as pain treatment, and as an opioid substitute.

    It appears that many different kratom products have been contaminated with a variety of different Salmonella strains and no common supplier has been linked to the contamination. According to the CDC, 39 percent of ill people have been hospitalized. There have been no deaths associated with the outbreak as of this time.

     Advice to consumers

    • At this time, CDC recommends that people not consume any brand of kratom in any form because it could be contaminated with Salmonella and could make people sick.
      • No common brands or suppliers have been identified;
      • Kratom is sold in many forms, including as leaves, pills, capsules, powder, and tea; and
      • Kratom is also known as Thang, Kakuam, Thom, Ketom, and Biak.
    • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration website has a list of kratom products that have tested positive for Salmonella contamination.
    • Contact a health care provider if you think you got sick from consuming kratom.
      • Most people infected with Salmonella develop the following signs and symptoms 12-72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria:
        • Diarrhea
        • Fever
        • Abdominal cramps
    • Talk to your health care provider before taking any supplement, especially if you are in a group more likely to get a severe Salmonella infection. People in the following groups are more likely to get a severe Salmonella infection:
      • People with weakened immune systems, including people who are receiving chemotherapy or have HIV
      • Pregnant women
      • Children younger than 5 years
      • Older adults

     For more information, please visit the CDC​ or FDA websites.

    Kratom linked to multi-state salmonella outbreak
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