Salmonella Outbreaks in 35 States Leads to Hundreds Sick

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, at least 324 people have fallen sick in 35 states due to an outbreak of over seven strains of salmonella, reports ABC News.

The outbreaks have been identified since January and of the hundreds ill, 66 have been hospitalized.

The CDC is linking most of the outbreaks to people interacting directly with live poultry including ducklings and chicks.

“Regardless of where they were purchased, all live poultry can carry salmonella bacteria, even if they look healthy and clean,” the CDC explained.

As a result, the CDC is reminding everyone that they should thoroughly wash their hands after interacting with and handling live poultry, and not to allow children under five years old near the live ducklings and chicks. They also warn against letting poultry live in the house to help prevent further outbreaks.

Even with these tips in mind, the CDC said the outbreaks are likely to continue for several months simply because of the lack of awareness. People who handle live poultry and do not know about the link to salmonella are more likely to not adhere to precautionary and necessary safety measures.