Kratom, derived from a plant native to Southeast Asia, is sold in the U.S. as teas, powders, capsules and energy drinks, among other forms. Consumers often use the substance as a pain treatment.
Here are four things to know about the outbreak.
1. While epidemiological evidence suggests kratom is the cause of the outbreak, the CDC has not identified a specific supplier as the exact source. The agency recommends “people not consume kratom in any form because it could be contaminated with Salmonella and could make people sick.”
2. The outbreak has contributed to 11 hospitalizations. None of the 28 infected individuals have died.
3. States affected by the outbreak are California with three cases; North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Utah with two cases each; and Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Dakota, New York, South Carolina and Tennessee with one case each.
4. The last infection occurred Jan. 30. The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing.
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