N.B. resident linked to U.S. salmonella outbreak

Canwest News Service January 15, 2009

OTTAWA - A Maritimer has been linked to an extensive salmonella outbreak south of
the border, the Public Health Agency of Canada said Thursday.

"I can confirm that there is one case associated with the U.S. outbreak in New
Brunswick in an individual known to visit the U.S. frequently," said a spokesman for
the agency, Philippe Brideau.

Health and food safety authorities in the state of Minnesota say the likely source
of the outbreak that has infected more than 400 people in 43 states is King Nut
peanut butter, Brideau said.

The product has been recalled from U.S. store shelves.

Brideau said the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has determined that the peanut
butter is not available in Canada.

"We're still monitoring the ongoing outbreak of salmonella infections in the United
States and we are still working with health authorities in New Brunswick to gather
more information on the case," Brideau said.

The Centre for Disease Control says the outbreak may have contributed to three deaths.

On its website, the centre says most persons infected with salmonella develop
diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12-72 hours after infection. It says the
illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, with most people recovering without treatment.

However, it warns severe salmonella infections causing death can occur, particularly
among infants, elderly persons and those with weak immune systems.

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