TO CLOSE

A federal health agency said that backyard hens and ducks were probably at the origin of an outbreak of salmonellosis in several states that sickened 52 people, including at least one person in the US. Michigan.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 52 cases had been reported in 21 states. Five people were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Those who became ill, said the CDC, said they were in contact with backyard poultry such as chicks and ducklings. More than a quarter of those infected are children under 5 years old.

"People can get salmonella infections by touching backyard poultry or their environment," the CDC said. "These birds may carry the salmonella bacteria but look healthy and clean and show no sign of disease."

The CDC did not disclose any other specific information about infected patients, including their age and hometown, but indicated that their age ranged from less than one year to 60 years. Cases of illness were reported between January 12 and April 29. Until now, according to CDC.gov, Ohio has the highest number of reported cases with nine.

People at high risk, the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, advise the CDC, should not handle or touch chicks, ducklings or other poultry.

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Here is what you need to know about Salmonella infection by the CDC:

  • Symptoms of salmonella infection – diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps – usually appear 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria.
  • Salmonella can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other parts of the body.
  • The disease usually lasts 4 to 7 days and most people recover without treatment.
  • In rare cases, Salmonella infection can cause death if the person is not treated quickly with antibiotics.
  • Children under 5, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have serious illness.

The CDC has this advice for owners of backyard flocks

  • Always wash your hands with soap and water immediately after touching backyard poultry or anything in the area where they live and move.
  • Adults should supervise hand washing by young children.
  • Use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available.
  • Do not leave backyard poultry inside the house, especially in areas where food or beverages are prepared, served or stored.
  • Set aside a pair of shoes to wear when dealing with poultry and keep them outside the home.
  • Children under 5, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems should not handle or touch chicks, ducklings or other poultry.
  • Do not eat or drink where poultry lives or walks.
  • Do not kiss poultry poultry or cuddle before touching your face or mouth.
  • Stay outdoors when cleaning equipment or equipment used to raise or care for poultry, such as cages or food or water containers.

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You can find more information about keeping backyard poultry at cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/farm-animals/backyard-poultry.html.

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Contact culinary writer Susan Selasky at 313-222-6872 or [email protected]. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter.

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