PHD: Salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry

The Panhandle Health District on Thursday reported four cases of salmonella over the last three months in its jurisdiction linked to backyard poultry.

The cases are linked to a nationwide outbreak that is ongoing, PHD said. There have been 572 cases of salmonella linked to backyard poultry in 48 states this year.

The cases in the Panhandle all occurred among minors under the age of 16 and three out of the four needed to be hospitalized due to the illness, PHD said.

All of the cases were exposed from chickens purchased in spring of this year from suppliers in the North Idaho area.

“We understand it’s tempting to want to kiss and snuggle pet chicks, but it’s important to establish safe interactions that will keep your entire family safe,” said Malia Nogle, epidemiologist for PHD. “After being alerted to a case of salmonella, we often discover that kissing, snuggling, and allowing pet poultry to run freely within a home was common practice. Unfortunately, these practices increase the likelihood of disease.”

Most cases of salmonella in the United States are caused by food including chicken, beef, pork, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and some processed foods that have been contaminated with feces from an infected animal.

Salmonella germs can also be carried by backyard poultry, such as chickens and ducks, even if they look healthy and clean. People can get sick from touching their backyard poultry, or anything in their environment, and then touching their mouth or food and swallowing salmonella germs.

The best way to protect yourself from salmonella is to wash your hands immediately after handling poultry, washing your fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, cooking meats to the appropriate temperature, and following other safe food practices.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people with a Salmonella infection experience: diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps or a headache.

Symptoms can start soon after infection and last up to a week. Salmonella is rarely spread from person-to-person.