BISMARCK - Ten cases of salmonella illnesses in North Dakota have been linked to a national outbreak involving contaminated peanut butter, state health officials announced Wednesday.
Two deaths in Minnesota have been linked to the outbreak.
The illnesses in North Dakota occurred between Nov. 21 and Dec. 16 last year. Patients ranged in age from 10 to older than 90.
Two patients were hospitalized and all have recovered, according to Julie Wagendorf, epidemiologist with the North Dakota Department of Health.
Four cases were in Cass County, two each in Ward and Burleigh counties, and one each in Barnes and Morton.
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An investigation by Minnesota health officials identified King Nut creamy peanut butter as a likely source of salmonella infections in many ill people in that state. The brand is not sold in most retail grocery stores.
However, the company's client, Kellog Co., has asked stores nationwide to stop selling peanut butter crackers under its Austin and Keebler brands.
In North Dakota, four cases reported eating King Nut peanut butter before their illness, one at a nursing home and two in hospitals.
Salmonella can cause abdominal cramping, diarrhea and fever, symptoms that usually last four to seven days. People who think they might have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised to contact their health care providers.
For more information, call Wagendorf at (701) 328-2378 or (800) 472-2180.
