Salmonella outbreak: Baby chicks, ducklings linked to illnesses

DETROIT – A series of salmonella outbreaks linked to baby poultry is sickening residents across the country, including 21 people in Michigan, health officials said Monday.

"While raising baby chicks and ducks can be fun and educational, poultry owners should be aware that chickens and other birds can carry germs that can impact human health," Michigan Chief Medical Executive Natasha Bagdasarian said in a statement. "Washing your hands thoroughly before and after handling chicks and other poultry protects both you and your family from the risk of salmonella."

Salmonella bacteria are commonly found in poultry droppings and may also be on a bird's feathers, feet and beaks, or in their cages, coops and the rest of their environment, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services advised. Birds can carry the bacteria without appearing sick.

Health officials said there are three "large and growing multistate outbreaks" of the salmonella infection. As of Monday, 184 people in 31 states had been infected.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said the number of people actually sickened in the outbreaks is likely much higher because not all cases get reported to public health departments. Plus, it can take up to four weeks to determine whether a sickness is related to an outbreak.

Nationwide, more than a quarter of the cases are linked to children under age 5. In Michigan, 29% of the 21 reported infections are in children, the state health department said.

The largest of the three outbreaks is being linked specifically to human contact with ducklings. State and federal health agencies are working to determine where the affected animals were purchased to determine the source of the outbreak.

How serious is a salmonella infection?

A salmonella infection can cause issues like diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal cramps. Symptoms can last up to seven days or more, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

It is generally most serious for people who are very young, very old or with weakened immune systems. Officials are encouraging these at-risk populations to avoid handling poultry altogether.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 34% of cases associated with the recent outbreaks have led to hospitalization. Most people recover with the use of antibiotics.

One death has been reported in the state of Washington.

How to avoid salmonella

People become infected when they handle poultry, their cages or coops, health experts said. The germs may be transferred onto people who handle the birds or who work or play in areas where the birds live and roam.

Although baby poultry require warmth and protection, health experts are encouraging people to keep them out of their homes.

Instead, owners should give the birds their own shelter outside the home, where they should remain even when their spaces are being cleaned.

People should also stay outdoors when cleaning equipment associated with poultry and should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching the birds or anything in their environment. If hand washing isn't immediately possible, use hand sanitizer.

Other tips offered by the state health department:

•Keep live poultry away from areas where food or drink is prepared, served or stored.

•Do not kiss or snuggle backyard poultry.

•Do not give live baby poultry to young children as a gift.

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