INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (WOWO) Michigan health officials are reporting 21 confirmed salmonella cases linked to multistate outbreaks associated with contact with baby poultry, including chicks and ducklings, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The Lead Off
- Bridge Michigan reports 21 salmonella cases tied to contact with baby poultry in multistate outbreaks
- 31 states are reporting infections across three salmonella strains including Michigan, Ohio and Indiana
- Health agencies warn young children are among those most affected
Multistate outbreaks under investigation
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) says it is seeing an increase in salmonella infections connected to three growing multistate outbreaks.
Across the United States, 184 people in 31 states have been reported sick with strains of salmonella enteritidis, mbandaka, and saintpaul.
Health officials say the actual number of infections is likely higher, as not all cases are reported or confirmed.
Michigan cases linked to backyard poultry
Michigan has confirmed 21 cases, all tied to the salmonella saintpaul strain.
Officials say about 29% of Michigan cases involve children.
State health officials report that many of the infections are linked to contact with backyard poultry, especially ducklings and chicks.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, said while raising baby poultry can be educational, the animals can still carry harmful bacteria.
“Washing your hands thoroughly before and after handling chicks and other poultry protects both you and your family from the risk of salmonella,” Bagdasarian said.
How salmonella spreads
Health officials say salmonella bacteria are commonly found in poultry droppings and can live on feathers, feet, beaks, cages, and surrounding environments.
Birds may carry the bacteria without appearing sick.
People can become infected by handling birds or contaminated surfaces, with symptoms including:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
Illness typically lasts four to seven days but can be more severe for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Children among most affected groups
Health officials say more than a quarter of outbreak cases nationwide involve children under the age of five.
The CDC and state agencies are working together to trace where backyard poultry involved in the outbreaks were purchased.
In the largest outbreak, many patients reported contact with ducklings.
Health safety recommendations
MDHHS is urging residents who raise or handle backyard poultry to follow safety precautions to reduce risk of infection, including:
- Children under 5, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals should avoid handling chicks or ducklings
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after contact with poultry
- Keep poultry and related equipment outdoors and away from kitchens or living spaces
- Do not kiss or snuggle baby poultry
- Do not bring live poultry inside homes
- Do not give baby poultry as gifts to young children
- Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not immediately available
- Seek medical care if salmonella infection is suspected
Investigation continues
MDHHS says it is continuing to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health departments to identify sources of the outbreak and track additional cases.
Officials say the number of reported infections may continue to rise as investigations continue across multiple states.
The Takeaway
- Michigan health officials confirm 21 salmonella cases linked to contact with baby poultry as part of a larger multistate outbreak spanning 31 states.
- The outbreaks are associated with three salmonella strains, with many cases tied to backyard chicks and ducklings and a significant number involving young children.
- Health agencies continue investigating sources of infection while urging the public to follow strict hygiene and handling precautions to reduce risk.
