MMWR

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Serotype Tennessee Infections Associated with Peanut Butter - United States, 2006-2007

PRESS CONTACT: CDC — Division of Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

A large, widespread outbreak of salmonellosis was caused by contaminated Peter Pan and Great Value brand peanut butter and consumers should immediately discard any remaining jars of Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter with a product code beginning with 2111. Local and state public health officials in multiple states, with assistance from CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, have been investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Tennessee infections associated with peanut butter consumption. As of May 22, 2007, a total of 628 persons infected with an outbreak strain of Salmonella serotype Tennessee had been reported from 47 states. Investigators determined that illness was strongly associated with consumption of either of two brands (Peter Pan or Great Value) of peanut butter produced at the same plant. Based on these findings, the plant ceased production and recalled both products on February 14, 2007. New case reports decreased substantially after the product recall. Consumers should immediately discard any remaining jars of Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter with a product code beginning with 2111. This outbreak demonstrates the potential for widespread illness from a broadly distributed contaminated product, one that had not previously been implicated in a foodborne illness outbreak in the United States.

Sunburn Prevalence Among Adults - United States, 1999, 2003, and 2004

PRESS CONTACT: CDC — National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division of Media Relations
(770) 488-5131

Everyone is at risk for getting sunburned, regardless of race or ethnicity. Even one sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer. Take steps to protect yourself from the sun. Sunburn increases the risk of getting certain types of skin cancer (melanoma and basal cell carcinoma). The percentage of adults who got sunburned increased from 31.8 percent in 1999 to 33.7 percent in 2004. Significant portions of all racial/ethnic groups reported getting sunburned. These findings suggest that a substantial segment of the adult population is not consistently practicing sun protection behaviors such as wearing a hat, covering up while in the sun, seeking shade, avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.

Characteristics of Caregivers and Care Recipients - North Carolina, 2005

PRESS CONTACT: CDC — Division of Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

The contribution and health of caregivers has emerged as a public health concern. A new CDC study finds that caregivers report significantly poorer physical and mental health compared to people not in a caregiving role. The study, based on 2005 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance (BRFSS) data from North Carolina, found that caregivers are more likely to be women and have more stress than non-caregivers. In addition, caregivers reported their role creates or increases their own health problems and many reported suffering injuries while taking care of a loved one. Some caregivers reported spending up to 40 hours a week on caregiving responsibilities, which often lasted for years and resulted in the caregivers not having enough time for themselves or their families.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES