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Michiganders warned not to consume products containing kratom due to Salmonella outbreak linked to substance
April 13, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 13, 2018
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and local health departments to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella linked to the consumption of products containing the plant substance kratom.
More than 130 people from 38 states, including three individuals in Michigan in Kent, Livingston and Monroe counties, have been infected with Salmonella linked to kratom. No deaths have been reported; however, 38 individuals have been hospitalized.
Kratom is a plant consumed for its stimulant effects and is also used as an opioid substitute. Kratom is known as Thang, Kakuam, Thom, Ketom and Biak. Ill individuals have reported consuming kratom as pills, powder and in tea.
“We are advising Michigan residents not to consume any products containing kratom,” said Dr. Eden Wells, MDHHS chief medical executive. “If you have used kratom and subsequently develop symptoms, please consult your medical provider. In addition, we urge people to consult their health care provider before taking any supplement, especially if they have weakened immune systems, are pregnant, younger than 5 years old or are an older adult.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a mandatory recall for all food products containing powdered kratom manufactured, processed, packed or held by Triangle Pharmanaturals, LLC. Other kratom products have been recalled voluntarily by suppliers or manufacturers as several other brands and products containing kratom have tested positive for Salmonella. As part of the Michigan investigation, the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories has detected Salmonella in the following four kratom-containing product samples purchased online from Herbal-Salvation/Viable Solutions, LLC, in Nampa, ID: Red Vein Bali (Indonesia), Green Horn (Indonesia), Red Vein Sumatra (Indonesia) and Thai Maeng Da, (Thailand). For a list of recalled kratom products, visit the FDA website.
Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps 12-72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. In some cases severe diarrhea or infection may occur and require hospitalization.
For more information about the outbreak investigation involving kratom, visit the CDC website.
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