Salmonella outbreak that infected over 100 people linked to backyard poultry

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(WFLA) — A salmonella outbreak that has infected over 100 people has been linked to backyard poultry, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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A CDC alert published Thursday said 109 people from 29 states have gotten sick with salmonella after touching poultry they keep at home.

So far, no cases have been reported in Florida. CDC data showed that Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri had the most cases out of the 29 states affected.

According to the alert, 33 people have been hospitalized with Salmonella, but no deaths have been reported. Out of the 109 people infected, 43% were under the age of 5, experts said.

The CDC stated that poultry like chicken or ducks can carry Salmonella even if they look healthy. The bacteria can spread to humans if they touch the chickens or anything in their environment and touch their mouth or food.

To avoid infections, people who care for poultry at home must wash their hands after touching the birds, their eggs, or anything in their enclosure. The CDC also warns people not to kiss or snuggle the birds and avoid consuming any food or drink around them.

Adults are also urged to supervise children around the flocks because they can suffer more severe Salmonella symptoms.

These symptoms can include diarrhea, fever, or stomach cramps and begin within six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria. While most people can recover without treatment within a week, children under five, the elderly, and the immunocompromised can end up hospitalized with severe illnesses.

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