In a report made by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Salmonella outbreak in the U.S. was caused partly by people getting too close and affectionate with live poultry, like chicken and ducks.  

In a new infectious disease guidance entitled, "Advice to Backyard Flock Owners," CDC warned that chickens and other pet poultry can spread Salmonella. In fact, out of the 95 patients the agency interviewed, 82 said they had handled their poultry.

Like Us on Facebook

"Many ill people in these outbreaks reported bringing the live poultry into their homes and others reported kissing or cuddling with the live poultry," the CDC reported. "These behaviors increase a person's risk of a Salmonella infection."

On the top of the report, the CDC added a helpful advice, "Do not let live poultry inside the house."

Salmonella is usually contracted from eating or handling food infected with the Salmonella bacteria rather than from getting too friendly with a live chicken. However, in the major Salmonella outbreak in America where at least 181 people in 40 states have been infected, CDC noted many of the cases were linked to getting up close and personal with live poultry, RT.com has learned.

This year, 33 people were hospitalized due to the non-deadly Salmonella infection, Washington Examiner noted. Though the infection usually resolves within a week or so, it causes abdominal cramps, diarrhea and fever in humans. And while most people recover from the disease on their own, Salmonella can potentially lead to death if left untreated. So far, no deaths from the outbreak have been reported.

Through a collaborative investigation with state public-health, veterinary, and agriculture officials along with the US Department of Agriculture, investigators looked into 4 multistate outbreaks of human Salmonella and found four strains of the bacteria were involved. By using the CDC's PulseNet system to subtype the Salmonella bacteria found in these patients, they identified the strains as Enteritidis, Hadar, Indiana and Meunchen, MD News reported.  

Every year, Salmonella causes 1.2 million illnesses and 450 deaths in the United States. And for those who do keep poultry, the CDC urges people to wash hands with soap and water thoroughly after touching them or anything in the area they frequent.

CDC also recommended the use of clean utensils in preparing meat and to wash hands and surfaces that come in contact with raw meat and to cook meat thoroughly. The agency finally noted that breastfeeding helps protect infants from Salmonella and other diseases.

TagsSalmonella Outbreak, Salmonella Outbreak US, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, CDC Salmonella Report, Salmonella Infection, Salmonella