|
For Immediate Release Friday, April 29, 2005
Multi-State Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Baby Chicks
Obtained From New Mexico Hatchery
Contact: Lori Maldonado
Public Information Specialist
(303) 692-2028
Cell: (303) 921-8598
DENVER—The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the New
Mexico Department of Health are investigating a cluster of Salmonella cases that
were reported in March and April in Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma and
Texas associated with exposure to baby birds.
Of the nine confirmed infections, six were among children under 5 years old who
had contact with baby birds that originated from a large poultry hatchery in New
Mexico. The New Mexico Health Department is conducting further investigations at
the hatchery.
Three of the cases are among Colorado infants who played with baby birds. All
three children have recovered. One of the children, whose name was not released,
was briefly hospitalized.
State epidemiologists warned parents and caregivers to keep children 5 years of
age and younger from handling young birds, such as chicks and ducklings, as they
pose a health risk of Salmonella. Salmonella is a common cause of food-borne
illness.
However, it also can be spread to people by direct contact with animals that
carry the bacteria. Salmonella outbreaks from chicks and ducklings often occur
during the spring, as the demand for baby birds for Easter and for backyard use
to raise for meat and eggs rises. However, people can take steps to prevent
illness in themselves and their families.
Alicia Cronquist, an epidemiologist from the Department of Public Health and
Environment who is working on the investigation, warned, “Children are
particularly at risk of illness because they are less likely to wash their hands
and have more frequent hand-to-mouth contact than adults.”
Other individuals at high risk of severe illness include the elderly and people
with weakened immune systems, she said.
She provided the following tips to prevent exposure to Salmonella:
PREVENTION TIPS
-
Wash your hands and those of your children with soap and water
immediately after touching any chicks, ducklings or other animals. If soap and
water are not available, alcohol-based hand wipes and gel sanitizers may be
used.
-
Do not purchase chicks, ducklings or other baby birds as pets
for children under age 5 or people with weakened immune systems.
-
Supervise children when handling baby birds. Do not allow them
to:
-
Nuzzle or kiss chicks and ducklings;
-
Touch their mouths with their hands;
-
Eat and drink before washing their hands thoroughly.
-
Keep chicks, ducklings and other baby birds in a designated
area away from family living spaces.
-
If you or your child has a high fever, severe diarrhea or
other symptoms, contact a health care provider.
SYMPTOMS
Cronquist said that Salmonella symptoms begin about one to three days after
exposure and include diarrhea, fever and stomach pain. Illness usually lasts
four to seven days and most people will recover without medical treatment.
However, in some people the symptoms may be so severe that treatment or
hospitalization is needed.
Individuals who developed symptoms of Salmonella after handling young poultry
since the beginning of March are asked to contact their local health department
or Alicia Cronquist at (303) 692-2700.
For more information about Salmonella and animals, the public can visit
www.cdc.gov/healthypets/animals/birds.htm
online or:
Top of Page |
