A CDC investigation notice regarding outbreaks of Salmonella infections has been posted.

Key Points:

• 109 people from 29 states have gotten sick from Salmonella after touching or caring for backyard poultry. 33 people have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.
• In this outbreak, 43% of the people infected with Salmonella are under 5 years old.
• Backyard poultry can carry Salmonella germs even if they look healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to anything in the areas where the poultry live and roam.
• You can get sick from touching your backyard poultry or anything in their environment and then touching your mouth or food and swallowing Salmonella

What You Should Do:

• Wash your hands immediately after touching backyard poultry, their eggs, or anything in the area where they live and roam.
• Supervise kids around flocks. Young children are more likely to become very ill from Salmonella.
• Don’t kiss or snuggle backyard poultry, and don’t eat or drink around them. This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick.
• Handle eggs safely.
• Call your healthcare provider right away if you are experiencing any severe symptoms of Salmonella.

CDC Salmonella information

CDC release