The CDC has recorded 19 illnesses across eight states resulting in eight hospitalizations. Infections have occurred in California, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington. But, because the birds can be found throughout the U.S., the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses.
Sick people range in age from 2 months to 89 years old, with a median age of 16 years. Their illnesses occurred on dates ranging from Dec. 26 to March 16. More recent illnesses may not be reported yet because it usually takes two to four weeks to determine if a person’s infection is linked to an outbreak. The true number of sick people is likely higher than the recorded number because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for salmonella, according to the CDC.
The birds first become infected when they ingest food or water or come into contact with objects contaminated with feces from other infected animals. Humans who don’t wash their hands after touching the infected animals or contaminated bird feeders, birdbaths or pets that have been in contact with the birds are at risk of illness.
Health officials are interviewing people about the animals they had contact with the week before falling ill. Of the 13 interviewed so far, nine reported owning a bird feeder, two reported contact with a sick or dead wild bird, and 10 have pets that had access to or contact with wild birds.
How to keep people and animals healthy
The CDC suggests that people clean and disinfect bird feeders and baths weekly or when they are visibly dirty. Make sure to keep pets away from feeders and baths and the areas under them. If you find a sick or dead bird in your yard, remove your feeder and bath for two weeks and clean it outdoors.
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April 03, 2021 at 04:33AM
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Why Your Backyard Bird Feeder Might Make You Sick - AARP
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