Recent Salmonella Outbreak Caused by People Cuddling and Kissing Their Chickens

According to the latest reports, more than 180 people were affected by the recent salmonella outbreak. People from 40 different U.S. states have been confronting with the dangerous disease and experts have been trying to figure out what might have caused it.

Researchers from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention suspect that the salmonella outbreak may have started because poultry owners are getting too close to their animals, kissing and cuddling them. Experts say that kissing and cuddling the chickens, chicks, ducklings and ducks may have been responsible for the recent salmonella outbreak in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a report which suggests that about 86% of the 96 people who were infected with the bacteria said they have had contact with their live poultry several days before experiencing the salmonella symptoms. Most of the individuals who were interviewed for the report stated that they engaged in intimate contact with their animals, including cuddling and kissing them.

According to the report, such behavior can increase the risk of getting infected with the salmonella bacteria. So far, no deaths have been reported in relation with the salmonella outbreak, but that’s because 33 people who contracted the bacteria have been taken to the hospital as soon as they experienced the first symptoms.

Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise poultry owners to wash their hands with water and soap thoroughly after having contact with their animals. Also, they advise that people clean the area where their animals live. The agency recommends everyone not to allow any living poultry into their house, in order to avoid getting sick with salmonella.

Salmonella is usually caused by eating or handling meat infected with the bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explained that everyone who eats poultry must cook the meat very well, and must use clean utensils when preparing the meat. After handling the meat, people should wash their hands and the surfaces that have come in contact with the raw meat. According to the researchers, breastfeeding can help protect infants from contracting salmonella and other illnesses.

Recent reports suggest that bacteria that causes the salmonella disease is responsible for about 1.2 million illnesses and more than 450 deaths annually in the United States. Some of the symptoms of salmonella include fever, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Although many infected patients recover without needing medical treatment, salmonella can also be fatal due to complications.
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