Salmonella outbreaks infect more than 100 people across multiple states — including Utah
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating Salmonella outbreaks across multiple states — including Utah.
According to a CDC announcement released Thursday, 109 people across 29 states have been infected with Salmonella, one of which is in Utah. The CDC said the number of sick people is likely “much higher than the number reported.”
The CDC started receiving reports of the illness at the end of February and has continued to receive them over the last few months. Thirty-three people have been hospitalized due to the outbreaks. There have not been any reported deaths.
Officials have linked the outbreaks to backyard poultry after 51 of 70 people interviewed reported being in contact with backyard poultry prior to getting sick.
“Backyard poultry, such as chickens and ducks, can carry Salmonella germs even if they look healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to anything in the areas where the poultry live and roam,” the CDC website said.
How to avoid infection
CDC officials say you should always wash your hands with soap and water after coming into contact with “backyard poultry, their eggs, or anything in the area where they live and roam.” They also recommend placing hand sanitizer at the coop to make it easier to sanitize immediately after contact.
In addition, officials say to avoid kissing or snuggling the backyard poultry as well as eating or drinking around them as the germs pass through the mouth. All feeding containers and shoes worn in the coop should be kept outside of your home.
Officials warn parents not to let children under the age of five touch backyard poultry — including chicks and ducklings — as they are more at risk of infection.
When collecting eggs, officials say to make sure not to leave them in the nest for long periods of time and discard any that have cracks. Officials say to rub the dirt off eggs with a brush or cloth instead of rinsing them in water, as “colder water can pull germs into the egg.”
Symptoms of salmonella
Some symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration.
Most healthy people will recover from the infection in a few days, however, if it lasts longer or comes with a high fever, bloody stools, or dehydration, the Mayo Clinic says to seek medical help. The CDC adds to seek medical attention if you cannot keep liquid down or have diarrhea for more than three days with no sign of improvement.
The investigation into the outbreaks is ongoing. See the CDC salmonella outbreak page for more information.
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