CDC Reports Salmonella Infections Across U.S, Including Montana

On Wednesday, the CDC provided and update on an outbreak of Salmonella infections in 42 states across the country. The cases are reportedly from contact with chickens, ducks, and other poultry in backyard flocks.

As of June 23, 2020, 465 people infected with one of the outbreak strains of Salmonella have been reported. Of the reported cases, 86 people have been hospitalized, and one death has been reported in Oklahoma. 31% of the infections are children younger than 5 years old.

Evidence shows that contact with backyard poultry (such as chicks and ducklings) is the likely source of these outbreaks. According to the CDC, they interviewed 226 ill people, 179 (79%) reported contact with chicks and ducklings.

In Montana, 13 cases of Salmonella have been reported as a result of the outbreak.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The CDC also issued advice to backyard flock owners stating that you can get sick with a Salmonella infection from touching backyard poultry or their environment.

Wash your hands
Be safe around poultry
Supervise kids around poultry
Handle eggs safely

For a complete list of recommendations, click here.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection

Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria

The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.

In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other places in the body.