CDC: Five salmonella cases in Arkansas linked to backyard poultry flocks
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of salmonella linked to contact with backyard poultry flocks, the agency reported on Thursday.
109 people from 29 states, including five in Arkansas, have contracted salmonella from touching or carrying backyard ducks or chickens, as of May 23.
No deaths have been reported, however, 33 people have been hospitalized. The CDC says 43% of those infected were under five years old.
Missouri has seen the highest number of cases with 19. Texas has 14, 11 in Oklahoma, and Alabama and Nebraska have six.
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Washington, Oregon, California, Montana, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee, Indiana, Georgia, Ohio North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Rhode Island have all reported at least one case.
The CDC says salmonella can cause symptoms that include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
The agency also said to not let children under five years touch chicks, ducklings, or other backyard poultry as younger children are more likely to get salmonella.
For more information on what to know about the outbreak, visit the CDC’s website.
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