Kratom Blamed for Salmonella Outbreak in 35 States

At least 85 patients known to have consumed kratom have been diagnosed with salmonellosis in 35 states since February 12, leading federal and state health officials to advise all individuals to stop taking kratom products. The FDA and several states have tested multiple kratom products; 25 were positive for Salmonella. Further testing is planned, according to the FDA. Kratom is used as an herbal drug in parts of Asia, and for self-medicating and recreationally in the U.S. However, the FDA issued a statement last month to announce that “from a scientific standpoint, the substance is an opioid, not a harmless plant.” They advise all individuals to stop using kratom products. While there have been no deaths associated with the Salmonella outbreak, kratom has been blamed for 44 previous deaths around the country, according to the FDA. Urgent care providers with patients presenting with symptoms that could be attributable to Salmonella—diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps—should ask patients if they’ve consumed any kratom products within 12 to 72 hours and test, refer, or treat accordingly.