By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and health officials from several states report investigating multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections linked to contact with backyard poultry.
There have been 163 people reported ill from 43 states since February, including 34 hospitalizations. One-third of sick people are young children under 5 years. No deaths have been reported.
North Carolina, Iowa, Georgia, Virginia and California have recorded the most cases.
Officials say 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.
Nine out of 10 people reported contact with backyard poultry before getting sick.
Backyard poultry can carry Salmonella germs even if they look healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread in areas where they live and roam.
Steps to stay healthy around backyard poultry:
- Always wash your hands for 20 seconds after touching the flock or flock supplies.
- Keep flock and flock supplies outside the house to prevent spreading germs into your house.
- Don’t let children younger than 5 years touch the birds (including chicks and ducklings) or anything in the area where the birds live and roam.
- Don’t kiss or snuggle the birds, as this can spread germs to your mouth and make you sick.
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