The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised people not to kiss or snuggle live poultry as a salmonella outbreak linked to backyard flocks spreads across the country.
The CDC and public health officials are investigating outbreaks that have sickened 163 people in 43 states. The infections have been traced to contact with backyard poultry, such as chickens and ducks.
“Don’t kiss or snuggle the birds, as this can spread germs to your mouth and make you sick,” the agency warned. It noted that poultry can carry salmonella even if they appear healthy and clean, and the germs can easily contaminate their environment.
Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, diarrhoea, stomach pain and vomiting. While most people recover without treatment, severe cases can be fatal. According to the CDC, one-third of those affected in the recent outbreaks are under five years old. Since mid-February, 34 people have been hospitalised, but no deaths have been reported.
The CDC advises washing hands after handling poultry and preventing children from touching the birds. Salmonella, which can also be found in raw or undercooked meat and eggs, causes an estimated 1.35 million infections and 420 deaths annually in the US.
