More Salmonella illnesses linked to contact with backyard poultry have been reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2017 than any other year in history, the agency stated.
CDC, on October 19, reported that to date in 2017, there were 1,120 cases of Salmonella which linked the patient to contact with backyard poultry. Those cases were reported in 48 states and in the District of Columbia. Of those patients, 249 required hospitalization and one died.
The illnesses tracked by the CDC in 2017 started on dates ranging from January 4 to September 22.
Prior to the October 19 report, the last CDC report on Salmonella cases related to backyard poultry was issued in August. At the time, there were 961 cases.
In 2016, CDC reported that 895 people had become ill from Salmonella infections linked to backyard poultry.
CDC stated that the investigations related to the 10 Salmonella outbreaks that led to the 1,120 cases are over, but it still cautions that people can still get a Salmonella infection from live poultry.
CDC advises taking precautions
CDC advises people with backyard poultry take the following precautions to reduce the odds of a Salmonella infection:
- Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching live poultry or anything in the area where the birds live and roam.
- Adults should supervise handwashing for children.
- Do not let live poultry inside the house.
- Do not let children younger than 5 years handle or touch chicks, ducklings, or other live poultry without adult supervision.
