TOPEKA (KSNT) - Four Kansans are sick with salmonella after outbreaks of the disease were linked to backyard poultry flocks.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Wednesday, May 23 that 109 people from 29 states, including Kansas, have gotten sick from salmonella after handling backyard poultry. As of May 23, there are four Kansans who have gotten sick from salmonella.
Now, 33 people have been hospitalized and there have been no reported deaths due to this outbreak. From this round of illness, 43% of the individuals infected with salmonella were under 5-years-old, the CDC said in a news release.
According to the CDC, backyard poultry can carry salmonella germs even if they appear clean and healthy. The germs can be easily spread to anything within the area where the poultry live and roam. A person can get sick by touching backyard poultry or anything in their environment, then touching your mouth or food and consuming the salmonella germs.
If you come in contact with backyard poultry, the CDC recommends washing your hands immediately after touching backyard poultry, their eggs or anything in their living environment. Children should be supervised when being around flocks, as young children are more likely to get sick from salmonella.
You should not kiss or snuggle backyard poultry or eat or drink around them, according to the CDC. The CDC advises you handle backyard poultry eggs with caution. If you are experiencing severe symptoms of salmonella, the CDC advises you to call your healthcare provider immediately.
Excerpt from CDC news release
- Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
- Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria.
- Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days.
- Some people—especially children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems—may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.
- For more information about Salmonella, see the Salmonella Questions and Answers page.
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