CDC investigates salmonella outbreak in 13 states, including Kentucky – The Courier-Journal

Public health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of salmonella illnesses linked to contact with backyard poultry in Kentucky and other states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
Any backyard poultry can carry salmonella germs that cause illness, the CDC said.
There have been 34 cases and 13 hospitalizations across 13 states. The illnesses started between February 26, 2026, and March 31, 2026. Here’s what to know.
Illnesses have been reported in the following states: 
The CDC said the number of people affected is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak might not be limited to the states listed.
Even if they look healthy and clean, backyard poultry such as chickens and ducks can carry salmonella germs that are easily spread to anything in the areas they roam, the organization said.
A person can get sick from touching backyard poultry, or anything in their surroundings, and then touching their mouth or food and swallowing salmonella germs.
The CDC suggests taking the following precautions:
Always wash your hands with soap and water immediately after touching backyard poultry, their eggs, or anything in the area where they live and roam.
Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available. If you take care of backyard poultry, consider keeping hand sanitizer at the coop.
The birds can carry Salmonella germs that can spread to your mouth and make you sick.
That includes feed containers and shoes you wear in the coop. You should also clean the supplies outside the house.
Always supervise children around backyard poultry and make sure they wash their hands properly afterward.
Children younger than 5 years old shouldn’t handle chicks, ducklings or other backyard poultry or spend time in areas where these animals live and roam. Young children are more likely to get sick from germs like Salmonella.
Collect eggs often. Eggs that sit in the nest can become dirty or break.
Throw away cracked eggs. Germs on the shell can more easily enter the egg through a cracked shell.
Eggs with dirt and debris can be cleaned carefully with fine sandpaper, a brush or a cloth. Don’t wash eggs, because cold water can pull germs into the egg.
Refrigerate eggs to keep them fresh and slow the growth of germs.
The CDC recommends you call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these severe symptoms:
Contact Midwest Connect reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cjackson@usatodayco.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X.com: @cherylvjackson or Bluesky: @cherylvjackson.bsky.social. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.

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