PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry across the country. Pennsylvania is among the states with the most cases.
In all, 219 illnesses have been reported from 38 states. Nearly 30 people have been hospitalized, and one person has died.
Pennsylvania has at least 12 confirmed sick people as of Thursday — the third-highest state count behind Minnesota and Wisconsin. Officials say that number could be higher since some may recover from salmonella without seeing a doctor or being tested.
The CDC did not specify where in Pennsylvania the affected people live.
Health officials advise owners of backyard poultry, such as chickens or ducks, to be cautious around the flocks and wash their hands immediately after touching them or anything around the area where they live and roam.
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The animals can carry bacteria like salmonella even if they look healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread, making it easy for humans to pick them up and get sick.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story referred to salmonella as a virus. It is a bacterial disease.