The Washington State Department of Health (WSDOH) reports thirteen Washington State cases in humans of Salmonella-caused sickness from backyard poultry. Of the thirteen people, four have been hospitalized. Three of the state cases are from Kitsap. Nationally, the outbreak has affected 104 people in 31 states.In May there was a Salmonella outbreak reported that was linked to eating raw cookie dough.

This latest outbreak has been traced to poultry manure. The bacteria spreads to cages, coops, hay, plants, and soil near the chickens. When humans touch their mouth or food with contaminated, unwashed hands, they can get sick. Backyard chicken and ducks can carry the disease without showing any signs of sickness.

Sickness usually follows one to three days of exposure to the bacteria. Most people recover on their own within four to seven days, but young people, people over 65, and those who are immunocompromised may experience more serious illness. WSDOH recommends that people in those three groups avoid backyard poultry and their coops and roaming areas.The symptoms of Salmonella infection include

• diarrhea (possibly bloody)

• fever

• chills

• stomach cramps

• vomiting (less common)

The CDC urges you to call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these severe symptoms:

• Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F

• Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving

• Bloody diarrhea

• So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down

• Signs of dehydration

To protect yourself from the Salmonella bacterium, take the following precautions:

• Wash your hands with soap and running water after touching backyard poultry or anything in their living or roaming areas.

• Don't kiss or hug poultry.

• Don't eat or drink near poultry.

• Don't keep poultry or their supplies inside your home.

• Don't let children under five touch poultry.

• Keep your flock away from wild birds.

• Prepare and store eggs carefully.