CDC and other U.S health services are investigating eight multistate outbreaks of human Salmonella infections linked to contact with poultry living in the backyards.
The Salmonella infections and outbreaks have led to quite a few hospitalizations and experts at CDC warn against physical contact with the feathered pets such as chickens, ducks, or geese.
In 2016 nearly 900 individuals suffered from vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever, all due to Salmonella infections coming from interactions with the feathered pets. In the first half of this year, already at least 372 people have been affected between 4th January and 3rd May 2017 just from handling pet chicken, geese and ducks.
These outbreaks have been reported in eight states so far. Although no deaths have been reported yet, there have been 71 hospitalizations resulting from this infection. Of these 372 cases, 36% are said to be children under the age of 5 years.
The infected persons were interviewed and it was noted that 83% of the 228 persons infected came into contact with live poultry within a week of their infection and symptoms. These people reportedly purchased baby poultry from several different stores such as websites, hatcheries, feed supply stores and even from friends, family and neighbors.
These cases however are the tip of the iceberg say experts. Actual number of cases that have not been reported or have been too mild to come under the radar of healthcare professionals may be much more (nearly 20 to 30 times higher) fear experts at CDC.
At present the CDC, state departments of health and agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service are investigating the cause of these outbreaks and attempting to contain and control them.
CDC Poster: Don’t Play Chicken with Your Health - Image Credit: CDC
Salmonella infections as such may not be life threatening unless the person affected is severely down in their immune system. The Salmonella bacteria that are responsible for this outbreak include Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Braenderup, Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i-, Salmonella Hadar, Salmonella Indiana, Salmonella Infantis, Salmonella Mbandaka, and Salmonella Typhimurium.
The bacteria is typically ingested in food or through contaminated hands that have handled an infected bird. The bacteria lives in the bird droppings and all over their body while not causing any signs of infection of the bird. The bird may appear to be clean with the naked eye.
It takes around 8 to 72 hours for the infection to become apparent with the appearance of the symptoms. The bacteria can coat the surfaces of the cages, coops, feeding and water bowls, soil around the region where the bird lives.
One way to be safe from the infection is to wash hands with soap and water right after touching or coming into contact with live poultry or the regions that they live. Children should be made to wash their hands too after handling bird pets. A hand sanitizer may be used in case water and soap is unavailable.
Allowing poultry inside the house or near kitchens or where food is prepared, served or eaten is unwise. Children under five, adults over than 65, those with a weak immunity such as those with cancer, chronic diseases, asthma, kidney disease, HIV AIDS etc. should not be allowed to touch or come in contact with live poultry.
Further eggs from the poultry can also transmit this infection. So while using raw eggs precautions are a must. Before and after touching raw eggs, a through hand washing is mandated. Washing the eggs thoroughly and keeping them refrigerated is wise.
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