Notes from the Field: Salmonella Oranienburg Infection Linked to Consumption of Rattlesnake Pills — Kansas and Texas, 2017 | MMWR

Notes from the Field: Salmonella Oranienburg Infection Linked to Consumption of Rattlesnake Pills — Kansas and Texas, 2017 | MMWR

Rattlesnake Pills Linked to Salmonella, 

Report Says

People who take rattlesnake pills should be aware of the risk for getting a Salmonella infection from those pills, according to a Notes from the Field report published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The article was based on cases in Kansas and Texas in 2017. Rattlesnake pills, which contain dehydrated and pulverized rattlesnake meat, are marketed as remedies for various conditions, ranging from cancer to acne. People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, children under 5 and adults over 60 are more likely to develop a severe Salmonella infection after consuming a contaminated food or supplement. Rattlesnake pills are not reviewed for safety or effectiveness by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Before taking any supplement, check with your doctor to discuss potential risks and benefits.