Missouri, Arkansas Salmonella cases linked to backyard poultry flocks, CDC says

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials are continuing to investigate a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella linked to contact with backyard poultry flocks, according to an update released on Thursday.

195 people from 38 states have contracted Salmonella from touching or carrying backyard ducks or chickens as of May 23.

Missouri has seen the highest number of cases with 23, with nine cases being reported in Arkansas .

The investigation began on May 23 with 109 cases in 29 states initially reported. Both Missouri and Arkansas have seen four new cases since the initial report.

No deaths have been reported, however, 50 people have been hospitalized, a jump of 17 since May 23. The CDC says 41% of those infected were under the age of 5.

Outside of Missouri, Texas has the most cases at 21, followed by 16 in Oklahoma, and 10 in Alabama, Washington and Nebraska.

Cases have yet to be reported in Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Michigan, Kentucky, West Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. All other states have confirmed at least one case.

The CDC says Salmonella can cause symptoms that include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

The agency also said to not let children under five years touch chicks, ducklings, or other backyard poultry as younger children are more likely to get Salmonella.

For more information on what to know about the outbreak, visit the CDC’s website .

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