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As of yet, the source of the recent salmonella outbreak has not been identified. Officials believe that the source of the salmonella tainted tomatoes is likely Mexico or Florida. Restaurants have halted the use of tomatoes, with the exception of those whose suppliers have been cleared by officials. Should you have tomatoes in your refrigerator, it is important to know which kinds may be tainted. Grape tomatoes and tomatoes still on the vine are likely safe. Other kinds should be discarded. When ordering food, avoid tomatoes unless you order from a fast food chain, which have separate suppliers.

So far, the salmonella outbreak has affected more than 350 people. Dozens have been hospitalized. Although the outbreak is dwindling in numbers, the CDC does not feel that it is over yet. The symptoms of salmonella poisoning are abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. The illness lasts at most a week. Problems arise when the patient becomes dehydrated, but most cases do not require hospitalization.

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There are many different kinds of tuberculosis. The most common kind is transmitted from person to person, and there are outbreaks of this strain in America, Britain, and Australia every year. However, scientists were surprised when they found that the Mycobacterium bovis strain of TB was making a comeback in a certain region of California. M. Bovis TB comes from unpasteurized cheese, and was almost completely eradicated until this new outbreak. Thankfully, this strain is rarely passed from person-to-person. Unfortunately, once contracted, this strain is difficult to treat.

To prevent the spread of M. Bovis TB, agriculture officials have been working to stop illegal “border cheese” and to remove unpasteurized or “bathtub” cheese from markets. Thousands die in the United States annually from TB, but most of these are not from America. Thus, officials are working hard to ensure that an outbreak from within the country does not begin. The public is safe from this strain as long as they are careful in regards to where they buy their dairy products.