The latest salmonella outbreaks related to contact with backyard poultry have killed one person and 86 hospitalizations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported.
The CDC announced that the agency and public health officials are investigating seven outbreaks in various states. Since the last update on May 20, this year 368 additional diseases were reported for a total of 465 infections in 42 states.
The states with the highest number of infections so far this year include Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia, each of which reports more than 25 diseases.
Authorities said 31 percent of illnesses were reported in children younger than 5 years old. Young children, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get serious illnesses from germs like salmonella. The reported death was a person from Oklahoma.
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The latest salmonella outbreaks related to contact with backyard poultry have killed one person and 86 hospitalizations, the CDC recently reported.
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Salmonella infections generally cause stomach cramps, fever, and diarrhea. While most people recover without treatment, sometimes serious illnesses require hospitalization because the infection can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other parts of the body.
Backyard poultry, such as chicks and ducklings, are the likely source of these outbreaks, the CDC said. These animals can carry salmonella bacteria even if they look healthy and clean.
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To stay healthy with backyard flocks, the CDC recommends good hand hygiene, supervising children around poultry, and handling eggs safely.
Also, keep a different pair of shoes while caring for poultry and keep those shoes out of the house.
For more safety recommendations, visit the CDC website here.
