Arizonan sick after salmonella outbreak linked to backyard chickens

Abigail Celaya, Arizona Republic
Updated ·2 min read

An individual from Arizona has fallen ill as part of a salmonella outbreak spanning 29 states, which the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has linked to backyard chickens.

The CDC warns that backyard poultry such as chickens and ducks can harbor salmonella germs even when appearing healthy or clean. These germs can be easily transmitted through contact with the mouth or consumption of poultry-contaminated food.

On Thursday a reported 109 people have gotten sick from the outbreak with 33 hospitalized. There have been no reported deaths. The state with the most illnesses was Missouri with 19 people sick, according to the CDC.

The CDC cautioned that recent illnesses might not have been reported, explaining that it typically takes three to four weeks to confirm if someone with salmonella is linked to an outbreak. CDC noted that the actual number of affected individuals could be significantly higher than reported, as many people recover without seeking medical attention or undergoing testing for salmonella.

On March 3 the first person became ill, according to a chart put out by the CDC. The latest report of when someone had last gotten sick was on April 30, when two people were reported sick.

According to the CDC, individuals who are concerned or have backyard chickens should follow these guidelines.

What to do with backyard chickens

  • Wash your hands with soap and water after touching backyard poultry, their eggs or their habitat. If water and soap are not available, use hand sanitizer.

  • Do not kiss or snuggle backyard poultry and do not eat or drink around them. Keep care supplies outside of the house.

  • Supervise children around backyard poultry and make sure they wash their hands. Do not let kids 5 or under touch the poultry as they spread germs easily.

  • Collect eggs often, throw away cracked eggs, rub off dirt on eggs with a brush do not wash, refrigerate eggs, cook eggs until the yolk and white are firm and to 165 degrees,

Signs of salmonella

The CDC recommends calling a health care provider right away if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms.

  • Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F

  • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving

  • Bloody diarrhea

  • So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down

  • Signs of dehydration, such as:

    • Not peeing much

    • Dry mouth and throat

    • Feeling dizzy when standing up

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: An Arizonan sick in salmonella outbreak linked to backyard chickens