More than 400 cases across the United States have been linked to a Salmonella outbreak that officials say is tied to backyard poultry.
As of Thursday, 409 people have fallen ill, with 102 hospitalizations across 45 states, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released on Thursday.
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause people to experience diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Symptoms can appear between six hours and six days of infection and will last four to seven days, the CDC said.
Here’s what you need to know.
What states have reported a Salmonella outbreak?
Texas and Missouri are the only two states in the country with more than 30 sick people. Minnesota, Washington, Michigan and Oklahoma all have more than 20.
CDC investigation details
According to the CDC, state and local public officials have been interviewing people about the animals they came into contact with during the week they got sick. Out of the 267 people interviewed so far, 178 − or 67% of respondents − said they had some contact with backyard poultry.
About 27% of all cases have affected children younger than 5 years old, with the median age being 33, the agency said.
How do I avoid salmonella?
The CDC shared the following advice if you encounter backyard poultry:
- Wash your hands with soap and water after touching backyard poultry, their eggs or anything within their vicinity.
- You can use hand sanitizer if soap is not available.
- Keep yourself and your areas clean to prevent a potential infection.
- Don’t kiss or hug the animals.
- Don’t eat or drink around them.
- Clean the supplies you use to care for them outside of your house.
- Don’t wear the shoes you wear in the coop inside of your house.
- Keep an eye on children around the animals.
- Don’t let children younger than 5 years old touch the animals.
- Don’t wash eggs in cold water. Instead, use a cloth to get off excess dirt and remember to refrigerate them.
Source: USA Today
