As of March 23, 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is reporting a total of 87 people in 35 states infected with Salmonella related to kratom consumption dating back as far as January of 2017. There have been eight cases reported in Oregon to date including a case in Polk County and a case in Marion County. 

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical plant in the coffee tree family. It grows naturally in many areas of Southeast Asia including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. It has stimulant and opioid-like properties and is consumed for its stimulant effects, as pain treatment, and as an opioid substitute.

It appears that many different kratom products have been contaminated with a variety of different Salmonella strains and no common supplier has been linked to the contamination. According to the CDC, 39 percent of ill people have been hospitalized. There have been no deaths associated with the outbreak as of this time.

Advice to consumers

• At this time, CDC recommends that people not consume any brand of kratom in any form because it could be contaminated with Salmonella and could make people sick.
  • No common brands or suppliers have been identified;
  • Kratom is sold in many forms, including as leaves, pills, capsules, powder, and tea; and
  • Kratom is also known as Thang, Kakuam, Thom, Ketom, and Biak.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration website has a list of kratom products that have tested positive for Salmonella contamination.
• Contact a health care provider if you think you got sick from consuming kratom.
  • Most people infected with Salmonella develop the following signs and symptoms 12-72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria:
    • Diarrhea
    • Fever
    • Abdominal cramps
• Talk to your health care provider before taking any supplement, especially if you are in a group more likely to get a severe Salmonella infection. People in the following groups are more likely to get a severe Salmonella infection:
  • People with weakened immune systems, including people who are receiving chemotherapy or have HIV
  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than 5 years
  • Older adults

For more information, please visit the CDC or FDA websites.

CDC:  https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/kratom-02-18/index.html

FDA:  https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm597265.htm#time

Marion County Child Abuse Prevention Team stands together to combat abuse and neglect

Salem, OR - Local and state officials will gather with community members to kick-off National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This event, hosted by the Marion County Child Abuse Prevention Team, will feature prominent speakers communicating the part we all play in preventing child abuse and neglect and promoting well-being. Following the program, community members and speakers will plant a pinwheel garden to help visualize and honor our most vulnerable community members.

Nationally, five children every day die from abuse and neglect. In Oregon, there were 11,843 founded cases of abuse or neglect in 2016. Of those cases, 1,255 were victims in Marion County. Everyone has a role to play in making Oregon a safe and healthy place for children and families.

SPEAKERS: 
Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson
Marion County Commissioner Kevin Cameron
Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Director Marilyn Jones
Marion County Deputy District Attorney Paige Clarkson
Leslie Middle School Students – Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Project

WHAT:           
Child Abuse Prevention Rally

WHEN:            
April 6, 2018, at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:           
Oregon State Capitol Front Steps
900 Court Street NE, Salem

The public and media are invited to attend.

For more information about Child Abuse Prevention Month activities and how to combat child abuse, visit www.parentforthefuture.com.  

The Marion County Child Abuse Prevention Committee includes representatives from: Blue Ribbon Brigade, Boys and Girls Club, Catholic Community Services, CASA of Marion County, Salem Police Department, Family Building Blocks, Liberty House, H.O.M.E. Youth & Resource Center, Liberty House, Marion County Community Services, Marion County Sheriff's Office, Marion and Polk Early Learning Hub, Options Counseling and Family Services, Oregon Department of Human Services, Salem Keizer Public Schools Hands and Words are not for Hurting Project, Shangra-La, Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, and YMCA.