Salmonella Outbreaks in 36 States Linked to Backyard Poultry: CDC

At least 124 people in 36 states have been sickened in salmonella outbreaks linked to contact with live poultry in backyard flocks, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday.

About one-third of the patients are children younger than 5. Twenty-one people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

People who became ill said they got live chicks and ducklings from relatives and from businesses such as feed supply stores, websites and hatcheries, according to the CDC.

It warned that people can get sick from salmonella by touching live poultry or their surroundings, and that poultry carrying the bacteria can appear clean and healthy.

Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after touching live poultry or anything in their surroundings, and don't let children younger than 5 handle or touch live poultry without adult supervision, the CDC advised.

It also said to keep live poultry out of the house, and to use a specific pair of shoes while taking care of poultry and keep those shoes outside of the house.

Register as Visitor to CPhI China 2018!