Salmonella cases in Washington have been linked to contact with backyard poultry.
In a release, the Department of Health says that four more cases of Salmonella illness tied to backyard poultry were reported last week by state health officials. This is part of a multistate outbreak under investigation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The new cases, one each in Clallam, Island, Stevens, and Spokane counties, add to a total list of 20 cases so far this year in what officials are calling an outbreak.
Of the Washington cases, ages range from 0-85 years old with two-thirds of those impacted being female and eight of the cases resulting in hospitalization.
In 2017, according to DOH, 23 cases were reported in what was the year with the highest number of cases in Washington related to a national outbreak,
While anyone can get a Salmonella infection, children are especially at risk of illness because they are less likely to wash their hands and have more frequent hand-to-mouth contact than adults.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection begin about one to three days after exposure and include diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain.
Anyone who owns backyard poultry is asked to follow the following safety tips:
For more information on safe live poultry handling and the health risks associated with Salmonella, visit the DOH website.