By Miyeilis Flores
May 27, 2024, 10:40 AM EDT
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that public health officials are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to contact with poultry in 29 states across the country.
The CDC indicates that as of May 16, 109 affected people have been reported in 29 states, with no fatalities, of which at least 33 patients have been hospitalized.
Health authorities emphasize the importance of taking necessary measures when dealing with backyard poultry to not only prevent, but also reduce its transmission to another person.
Even though they look nice and hygienic on the outside, garden birds, such as chickens or ducks, can carry Salmonella germs. “These germs can be transmitted to anything that comes into contact with them in the environment in which they live and move.”
One of the CDC’s warnings is that “humans can get various diseases when they come into contact with backyard birds or related environments and then touch their mouths or food, swallowing germs and causing a Salmonella infection.”
According to data provided by the CDC, the illnesses were reported from February 28, 2024 to April 30, 2024.
It is not ruled out that there are more sick people than indicated, since several recover without being tested for Salmonella or receiving medical help.
Of the total number of people affected, about 73% had some exposure to backyard birds, while 67% reported that they had purchased or raised poultry before becoming ill.
Although poultry was purchased from several retail stores and hatcheries, no common supplier has yet been identified across all outbreaks.
4 consumer safety tips
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water: When you have handled poultry, their eggs or anything in your space, you should wash your hands with soap and water and avoid putting them in your mouth if they are not clean enough.