A total of 465 people have been infected in a Salmonella outbreak, with the likely source of infection being contact with backyard poultry, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported.
The CDC released the updated figures, which show an additional 368 people have become ill from Salmonella since its last report on the outbreak, issued on May 20.
According to the CDC, the illnesses started on dates ranging from January 14 to June 1. Those affected range in age from 1 to 88, with a median age of 31. More than half of the patients have been females.
Of the patients whose information was available, 36% were hospitalized, and one patient from Oklahoma died from the illness.
In interviews, people answered questions about animal contact in the week before they became ill. Of 226 people interviewed, 179 (or 79%) reported contact with backyard poultry -- specifically, chicks or ducklings -- before becoming ill. Ill people reported buying poultry from various sources, including agricultural stores, websites, and hatcheries.
The recent Salmonella cases involved the following serotypes: Agona, Anatum, Enteritidis, Infantis and Mbandaka. Cases reported in May were of the Salmonella Hadar serotype.
The outbreak is practically nationwide, with illnesses reported in 42 continental states. Kentucky has had the most positive cases, with 34. To date, no cases of Salmonella-related illness have been reported in Nevada, Louisiana, Vermont, New Hampshire, Delaware, Rhode Island, Hawaii or Alaska.
CDC stated that its investigation into the outbreak is continuing, and updated information will be provided when it becomes available.
