Home Emergency Medicine CDC: U.S. Salmonella Cases Linked to Backyard Poultry Reach 465

CDC: U.S. Salmonella Cases Linked to Backyard Poultry Reach 465

There have been 86 hospitalizations; one death has been reported

THURSDAY, June 25, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The number of Salmonella infections linked with backyard poultry has reached 465 in 42 states, an increase of 368 since the last update on May 20, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday.

There have been 86 hospitalizations, and one death has been reported in Oklahoma. About one-third of cases involve children younger than 5 years. Nearly twice as many Salmonella infections associated with chickens, ducks, and other backyard poultry have been reported this year compared with the same time last year, the CDC said.

People can get Salmonella infections from touching live poultry or their environment, and poultry carrying the bacteria can appear healthy and clean.

The CDC said people with backyard poultry should always wash hands thoroughly after touching poultry or anything in their environment. Use one pair of shoes when taking care of poultry and keep those shoes outside the home. Do not let poultry in the home. Do not let children younger than 5 years touch poultry.

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