US CDC is warning people about the outbreak of salmonellosis. Domestic hens would be involved.
Hens are popular with families, more and more adopting them as pets. And for good reason: the hen is an endearing and affectionate animal, with soft plumage, which in addition allows to feed a home with eggs. But rubbing shoulders with chickens is not without risk. This new fashion could even be at the origin of an epidemic of salmonellosis in the United States.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Prevention and Control) thus report 961 cases of infection to salmonella since the start of 2017. Among them, 215 required hospitalization. The state of Virginia is the most affected.
Three quarters of cases are linked to chickens
According to U.S. health officials, 74% of cases across the country have occurred as a result of contact with a contaminated hen in the week before symptoms.
Contrary to popular belief, the salmonellosis bacteria do not only infect meat or eggs; live animals can be carriers. Most are asymptomatic, which can mislead poultry owners.
No kisses
The CDC recommends that the population wash their hands after contact with chickens, but also wear specific shoes and clothes to go in the garden to pet the chickens, so as not to bring the germs home.
It is also advisable not to let the hens enter the home, not to eat or drink in their enclosure, not to kiss or snuggle up against them. Young children should not touch the hens to avoid any risk of contamination, say the CDC.
Salmonella is the cause of 3.4 million infections and 681,000 deaths worldwide. The bacteria cause diarrhea and fever, but can cause complications if untreated.
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