CDC Investigation Update: Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Backyard Poultry Exceeds 1,000 Cases

CDC has posted an update regarding a multistate outbreak of Salmonella illness linked to contact with poultry in backyard flocks – (https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/backyardpoultry-05-19/index.html).

• Since the last update on July 19, 2019, an additional 235 ill people have been added to this investigation.
• There have been 1,003 ill people reported from 49 states, including 175 people who have been hospitalized.
• Two deaths have been reported; one in Ohio and one in Texas. Please contact the state health departments for more information on those deaths.

• We usually see an increase in Salmonella infection linked to live poultry in the spring and summer when more people are purchasing chicks, ducklings and other live poultry.
• The largest number of Salmonella illnesses in outbreaks linked to backyard poultry occurred in 2017, when 1,120 people got sick and one person died.

• People who got sick in the 2019 outbreak reported getting chicks and ducklings from places such as agricultural stores, websites, and hatcheries.
• People can get sick from Salmonella after touching poultry or the places where they live and roam. Birds carrying the bacteria can appear healthy and clean.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching poultry or anything in their environment. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not immediately available.
• Do not let backyard poultry inside the house. Be especially careful to keep them out of areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored, such as kitchens and outdoor patios.

About Salmonella:

• Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 12-72 hours after eating contaminated food.

• The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
• See your healthcare provider if you are concerned about symptoms, such as a high fever (temperature over 102˚F), blood in your poop, diarrhea, or frequent vomiting that prevents keeping liquid down.
• More information on pet food safety can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/publications/pet-food-safety.html.

If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please call that state’s health department.

Thank you,
CDC News Media Branch
404-639-3286
media@cdc.gov

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

CDC works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety and security. Whether disease start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC responds to America’s most pressing health threats. CDC is headquartered in Atlanta and has experts located throughout the United States and the world.