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CDC warning links kratom to salmonella outbreak across 20 states

ATLANTA — A warning about an outbreak of illness linked to kratom, the controversial herbal supplement.

Kratom is touted as an opioid alternative that can ease pain and elevate your mood, but in this case, officials say it's made dozens of people very sick.

"We are taking this outbreak very seriously," said Dr. Laura Gieraltowksi.

Gieraltowksi with Centers for Disease Control told Channel 2 Action News this is the first time they've seen salmonella in Kratom products.


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Salmonella infections have been reported in 20 states. In 11 of those cases, those infected need to go to the hospital. Many of those interviewed reported to have consumed kratom before they got sick.

'We don't have any deaths luckily in this outbreak investigation, but we do have a high hospitalization rate, higher than we typically see," Gieraltowksi said.

Although this is the first time kratom has been linked to samonella, it's not surprising to disease detectives at the CDC.

"We have seen salmonella in other powders, and supplements so we think salmonella can survive in dried supplement products," Gieraltowksi said.

The CDC said until their investigation is complete, and they know more about the source of contaminated kratom, people should be not be taking it.

"We don't have a particular brand or supplier to warn people about, so the CDC is recommending people not take kratom in any form until we have more specific advice to give," Gieraltowksi said.

There have been no reported cases in Georgia, but there have been kratom salmonella infections in Florida, Alabama and South Carolina.