611 sick in U.S. Salmonella outbreaks linked to live poultry: CDC

At least 611 people have been sickened and one died in eight separate multistate outbreaks of human salmonella infections linked to live poultry in backyard flocks this year in the United States, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Tuesday.

"The investigations this year involve the largest number of sick people linked to live poultry that we've seen, with the second highest being in 2013 at 579 illnesses," the CDC said in a statement.

"These outbreaks serve as a reminder that all live poultry can carry Salmonella bacteria, even if they look healthy and clean."

The eight outbreaks linked to live poultry such as chicks and ducklings were reported in 45 U.S. states and illnesses started on dates ranging from Jan. 4 to June 25.

Among the 611 people infected, 138 people were hospitalized, and one death was reported, but salmonella infection was not considered to be a cause of death, according to the CDC.

In addition, 195 ill people were children five years of age or younger.

The U.S. agency advised that people always wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching live poultry or anything in the area where the birds live and roam.

It also advised people not to let children younger than five handle or touch chicks, ducklings, or other live poultry without adult supervision and also not to let live poultry inside the house.

"These outbreaks are expected to continue for the next several months since flock owners might be unaware of the risk of Salmonella infection from live poultry or participate in risky behaviors that can result in infection," the CDC said.

Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps between 12 and 72 hours after infection.

The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most individuals recover without treatment, but in some cases, diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Endit