CDC warns of salmonella infections tied to backyard poultry

Dozens of people, including 13 who were hospitalized, were sickened with the same strain of salmonella that was linked to backyard poultry, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The salmonella cases occurred across 13 states, making 34 people sick, according to the CDC. No deaths have been reported.

The infections are linked to backyard poultry, such as chickens and ducks kept at home. While the flocks may look healthy and clean, they can still carry the bacteria, the agency said. People who touch backyard poultry or anything they interact with can become sick if they then touch their mouth or eat food without washing their hands.

Here's what to know about the salmonella outbreak and how to keep you and your family safe.

Which states reported cases of salmonella linked to backyard poultry?

People have reported sicknesses in the following states linked to backyard poultry, according to the CDC. The most sicknesses were reported in Michigan.

• Florida (1)
• Illinois (1)
• Indiana (3)
• Kentucky (3)
• Maryland (2)
• Maine (3)
• Michigan (6)
• Mississippi (1)
• New Hampshire (1)
• Ohio (5)
• Tennessee (1)
• Wisconsin (5)
• West Virginia (2)

How to prevent a salmonella infection while handling poultry

The CDC advises people to do the following during or after handling backyard poultry:

• Wash your hands with soap and clean water for 20 seconds immediately after touching poultry, collecting eggs or touching anything in their environment.
• Use a dedicated pair of shoes or boots while working in your coop, and avoid bringing them inside your house.
• Keep bird supplies outside and avoid bringing them inside your home.
• Supervise children interacting with the chicken coop and make sure they also wash their hands for 20 seconds (or the length of two "Happy Birthday" songs).
• Do not kiss, cuddle or eat or drink around backyard poultry.
• Collect eggs often and throw away cracked eggs.

Children 5 years and younger should not handle chicks, ducklings or other backyard poultry or spend time where the animals live or walk around, as young children are more likely to become sick from salmonella.

What are the symptoms of a salmonella infection?

Most people infected with salmonella will experience stomach cramps, fever and diarrhea, according to the CDC. Symptoms can begin to show from six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria.

Most people will recover after four to seven days of infection without any treatment. However, people younger than 5 and older than 65, and those with weakened immune systems, may experience more severe symptoms and require treatment or hospitalization.

People experiencing the following severe symptoms of a salmonella infection should contact a health care provider immediately, according to the CDC:

• Diarrhea for more than two days
• Fever higher than 102°F
• Bloody diarrhea
• Excessive vomiting and the inability to keep liquids down
• Showing signs of dehydration, like urinating less, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up

Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers invasive species, space phenomena, scientific studies, natural disasters and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected].

This story has been updated to add U.S. salmonella map.