Salmonella Outbreak Hits Western Washington: State Health Officials

EDMONDS, WA - Sixteen Washington residents have been sickened by salmonella in connection to a multi-state outbreak, according to the state Department of Health. The cases are spread across 13 counties in the state, with many are in the Puget Sound area. Five of the people sickened in Washington have been hospitalized.

The cases are related to people coming into contact with live poultry, according to the state. So far, cases have appeared in Snohomish, Chelan, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Kitsap, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, and Whatcom counties. There are two cases each in King, Pierce, and Yakima counties.

In total, 372 people across the U.S. have been sickened by salmonella after coming into contact with live chickens and chicks. The birds have been traced to several hatcheries, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Some of the hatcheries have sold to feed stores and online sources.

Salmonella is a serious gastrointestinal infection that is especially dangerous for children, pregnant women, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems.

The CDC is warning owners of backyard flocks to take precautions when handling the animals and their eggs. The CDC advises poultry owners to wash their hands after handling chickens and to keep poultry out of home living areas. Eggs should be collected quickly, kept in the refrigerator, and cooked thoroughly.

Read more about the outbreak from the CDC.

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