Live poultry in backyard flocks have caused Salmonella infections that have sickened 97 people in 28 states.

Reporting in MedicalXpress indicates that 17 people have been hospitalised. No deaths have been reported in this outbreak. Nearly 1/3 of the confirmed cases are children under five.

Spring and summer are popular times to build backyard flocks and purchase new chicks. However, the CDC warns that people can get Salmonella from lax biosecurity protocols or touching live poultry. The CDC recommends all backyard flock owners to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching live poultry or anything in their environment. Owners should be advised not to kiss backyard poultry or let children younger than five touch the birds as children are more likely to contract severe Salmonella infections.

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