The Washington State Department of Health is warning people to protect themselves against the growing salmonella outbreak linked to poultry after thirteen cases of the illness have been reported across Washington.
The nationwide outbreak has sickened over 100 people in 31 states.
The CDC estimates that salmonella bacteria cause approximately 1.35 million human infections and 26,500 hospitalizations annually in the United States.
Over 23% of infections are attributed to backyard poultry consumption, such as chickens and ducks, which can carry  salmonella even if they look healthy and clean.
“If you have a backyard flock, take steps to protect yourself and your family from salmonella infection,” Washington State Chief Science Officer Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett said in a statement. “Always wash your hands with soap and water after you’ve touched poultry, soil, or objects they’ve had contact with.”…