NewsDesk @bactiman63

CDC and public health officials in several states are investigating multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections linked to contact with backyard poultry.

In total, 219 illnesses have been reported from 38 states, and 27 people have been hospitalized. One death has been reported from Tennessee.

One in four sick people are children younger than 5 years.

The true number of sick people is likely much higher than the reported number, as many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.

Backyard poultry can carry Salmonella germs even if they look healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread in areas where the poultry live and roam.

These outbreaks occur annually and coincide with the increase in baby poultry purchases, beginning in the spring. Last year in 2021, a total of 1,135 people got sick from contact with backyard poultry.