Maine Reports 30 Salmonella Cases Tied to Backyard Poultry as 6 People Are Hospitalized
Updated
Updated · The Maine Wire · Jul 30
Maine Reports 30 Salmonella Cases Tied to Backyard Poultry as 6 People Are Hospitalized
3 articles · Updated · The Maine Wire · Jul 30
Summary
Thirty salmonella cases were recorded in Maine from April through July, with six hospitalizations, in what state officials called an unusually high tally.
Backyard poultry such as chickens and ducks are driving the infections, which typically rise in spring when people order baby chicks and then spread germs by touching birds before touching their mouths.
Nationwide, the U.S. CDC has linked 814 illnesses to eight multistate outbreaks, while warning the real count is likely higher because many people are never tested and recover without medical care.
Health officials said even healthy-looking birds can carry salmonella and urged handwashing after contact with poultry, eggs or anything in their environment.