NC child ill in salmonella outbreak linked to Trader Joe's peanut butter

North Carolina health officials said Saturday that consumers shouldn't eat or buy Trader Joe's Salted Valencia Peanut Butter. Trader Joe's has issued a voluntary recall of the product, but no specific lot numbers were available.

Health officials said 29 people, mostly children, across the nation have gotten sick in cases believed to be connected to the peanut butter.

"The investigation into the exact source of the infection is ongoing, so until there are more details, we recommend that anyone who has any of this particular product at home discard it immediately," state epidemiologist Dr. Megan Davies said.  "If you are experiencing symptoms of stomach illness, contact your health care provider."

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection, and the illness usually lasts four to seven days. Most people recover without treatment, but severe diarrhea can require hospitalization to prevent potentially fatal complications. The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.